Dodgers’ Ideal World Series Rival: Mariners or Blue Jays?
As the Los Angeles Dodgers await their opponent in the 2025 World Series, they face a choice between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays following the thrilling American League Championship Series (ALCS). With a strong postseason performance, the Dodgers have established themselves as formidable contenders, posting a 9-1 record and sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers.
Dodgers’ Ideal World Series Rival: Mariners or Blue Jays?
Determining who Dodgers fans should support can impact their strategy in the upcoming World Series. Here are three reasons to favor each potential rival.
Reasons to Root for the Toronto Blue Jays
- Depleted Pitching Staff: The Blue Jays are in a tough spot after losing their first two ALCS games. They will need to rely heavily on rookie Trey Yesavage to keep their championship hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Dodgers can optimize their pitching rotation, enhancing their competitive edge.
- Different Matchup Dynamics: The Blue Jays do not possess the same lefty pitchers that challenged Dodgers’ hitters like Shohei Ohtani. This could work in the Dodgers’ favor as they prepare their lineup for a potential World Series matchup.
- Injuries Impacting Lineup: Although Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is excelling this postseason, the Blue Jays are not at full strength. Key players like Anthony Santander and Bo Bichette are unavailable, and George Springer’s participation is doubtful due to injury. This lack of depth could benefit the Dodgers.
Reasons to Favor the Seattle Mariners
- Strikeout Potential: The Mariners have a high swing-and-miss rate, ranking seventh in the league with a 23.3 percent strikeout rate. This could allow the Dodgers’ pitching staff, known for their effectiveness in generating strikeouts, to thrive in a matchup against Seattle.
- Pitching Matchups: If Bryan Woo returns to full health, the Mariners could have a starting rotation comparable to the Dodgers. Logan Gilbert and George Kirby have shown their skills, but Woo’s recovery from injury will be crucial if Seattle advances.
- Home-Field Advantage: If the Mariners reach the World Series, the Dodgers can start the series at Dodger Stadium, where they performed well, securing a 52-29 record. Conversely, playing in Toronto would shift the advantage to the Blue Jays.
As the Dodgers watch these playoff battles unfold, the decision of which team to support plays a significant role in their preparation for the World Series. Both the Mariners and Blue Jays present unique challenges and advantages that could impact how the Dodgers approach the championship series.
