With the World Series getting underway Friday, it’s time to break it all down.
The Los Angeles Dodgers rolled through the National League, winning nine of 10 postseason games to advance to the Fall Classic for the second straight year. Money is no object for the Dodgers, who have combined their checkbooks with their development system to create a star-studded roster.
On the other side, the Toronto Blue Jays are back in the World Series for the first time since 1993 after a thrilling Game 7 win in the ALCS. While they don’t spend as much as their opponent, the Jays have put together a loaded lineup and solid starting pitching staff.
Here are the five players who will decide the winner of the 2025 World Series:
Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers DH/SP
Yeah, we have to start here. The soon-to-be four-time MVP is fresh off his best ever MLB game to clinch the NLCS, with three home runs at the plate and six shutout innings with 10 strikeouts on the mound. Ohtani’s two-way prowess wasn’t on display in his Fall Classic debut last October. This time, expect baseball’s biggest star to contribute in both areas.
Here are three Olympic sports, other than baseball, that Dodgers’ two-way star Shoehei Ohtani would dominate and why.
Bo Bichette, Blue Jays SS
Now here’s a wild card. Bichette hasn’t played a postseason game this year, but he’s set to return from a knee injury for this one. The Blue Jays’ starting shortstop, who could DH if he’s not at full strength, led the team with 181 hits and 94 RBIs in the regular season. Toronto’s offense hasn’t slowed down without him, so a healthy Bichette would make it even more dangerous.
Mookie Betts, Dodgers SS
With 84 games of playoff experience and three World Series rings (two with the Dodgers, one with the Boston Red Sox), Betts is a familiar face on this stage. He’s hitting .293 this postseason — but he’s yet to homer and hasn’t quite had that signature moment (not that the Dodgers have needed it). The only thing missing from the 33-year-old veteran’s trophy case is a World Series MVP award, and he’ll be determined to go get it.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays 1B
You didn’t think we’d leave Guerrero off this list, did you? The Blue Jays’ biggest star has carried his team to the World Series after signing a 14-year contract extension in April. Guerrero, who had no home runs and three hits in six career playoff games before this year, has belted six homers and 19 hits in 11 games this October. He’s come through in every big situation — it would be a surprise if he didn’t swing the series against L.A.
Here are five things to know about baseball player Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Roki Sasaki, Dodgers RP
For most of Sasaki’s rookie season, he appeared overmatched. The 23-year-old Japanese righty had a 4.46 ERA in 10 regular season games. But everything flipped once the calendar turned to October and he was moved to the bullpen. Sasaki has a 1.13 ERA with three saves in seven appearances this postseason. He’ll be trusted to get the biggest outs of this series, especially if the Dodgers’ starters come back down to earth.
Other X-factors
Ernie Clement, Blue Jays INF: Batting .429 this postseason and riding a six-game hitting streak entering the World Series, Clement has steadied the middle of the Jays’ batting order this month.
Kiké Hernández, Dodgers UTL: The 34-year-old utility man seems to show up every October, and this year has been no different — .306 average, four doubles and four RBIs in 10 games.
Trey Yesavage, Blue Jays SP: Yesavage, 22, has made as many regular season starts as postseason starts (3) in his career, but he’s been stellar — 2-1 record, 22 strikeouts in 15 innings and an ACLS Game 6 gem.