The 2025 MLB Post Season has rolled by and the World Series starts today. Here’s all the things you’ll need to know for the week ahead.
WHO is playing?
This year’s matchup is between the reigning World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays.
WHERE are they playing?
The Toronto Blue Jays will be hosting games 1, 2, 6*, & 7* at Rodgers Centre in Toronto, Canada.
The Los Angeles Dodgers will be hosting games 3, 4, & 5* at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
*If needed
WHEN are they playing?
Game 1 starts at 7 pm CT on Friday, October 24th.
Game 2 starts at 7 pm CT on Saturday, October 25th
Game 3 starts at 7 pm CT on Monday, October 27th
Game 4 starts at 7 pm CT on Tuesday, October 28th
Game 5 starts at 7 pm CT on Wednesday, October 29th*
Game 6 starts at 7 pm CT on Friday, October 31st*
Game 7 starts at 7 pm CT on Saturday, November 1st*
*If needed
HOW did they get here?
The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Wild Card. Then they beat the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1 in the National League Divisional Series. Finally, they swept the #1 seed Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series to lead them one step closer to taking the crown for the second year in a row.
The Toronto Blue Jays were the #1 team in the American League which earned them a first-round bye week. Then they beat the New York Yankees 3-1 in the American League Divisional Series, scoring 5+ points each game. They finished off beating the Seattle Mariners 4-3, and clinching their third ever World Series appearance.
Key Players:
Shohei Ohtani (LA): Japanese starting pitcher and designated hitter who has won AL MVP 2x & NL MVP one time. He won NLCS MVP this year with his historic performance in Game 4. Ohtani pitched a 2-hit, 10 strikeout, scoreless 6 innings, while also hitting 3 home runs. Only 11 players have ever hit 3 home runs in a single playoff game. Ohtani has officially joined a list of legends, securing what some are calling “The best performance in baseball history!”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TO): Canadian-Dominican First Baseman who has won the prestigious Gold Glove one time and Silver Slugger Award two times. He won ALCS MVP this year with his impressive league-leading six home runs in the post season. Guerrero Jr. has been crucial for Toronto this year and has put up impressive stats throughout the postseason. He is 1st in OPS, 1st in Slugging, 1st in RBI’s, 1st in HR’s, 1st in Runs, 1st in Hits, and so on and so forth.
Mookie Betts (LA): American Shortstop who is an 8-time All-Star and has won three World Series. Betts’ plate discipline and top-tier speed has helped him switch roles around the field through many years, including center & right field. His ability to make split second decisions is what sets him apart from his teammates, making him one of the most versatile players in the league. Betts’ has clearly hit a post-season slump, but fans hopes are high as he and the team got a week to rest.
George Springer (TO): American right fielder who is a four-time All-Star and one-time World Series MVP. Despite being a crucial player for Toronto, Springer has gone quietly unnoticed for most of the season. He has put up an impressive 3rd in OPS league wide and 4th in batting percentage. Everyone in Seattle knows his name after he hit the winning 3-run homer against the Mariners, clinching the path to the WS.
Teoscar Hernández (LA): Dominican right fielder who has won Silver Slugger Award three times and was an All-Star two times. He won the World Series with the Dodgers last season and is back for Round 2. He has not only been a powerhouse when it comes to hitting, but his defense has been a key for the Dodgers success.
Top 10 World Series MVP Picks:
Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays
Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
George Springer, Blue Jays
Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers
Mookie Betts, Dodgers
Alejandro Kirk, Blue Jays
Blake Snell, Dodgers
Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays
Will Smith, Dodgers
Final Thoughts: The 2025 World Series is one of the most interesting matchups we’ve had in a while. We will just have to see if Toronto can beat the reigning MLB champions. Good luck to both teams, and play ball!