The Los Angeles Dodgers made quick work of winning the National League Championship Series (NLCS), sweeping the team with the best record to earn the right to rest for a week while awaiting their opponent, now known to be the Toronto Blue Jays.
It’s precisely the Toronto Blue Jays, a team that hasn’t played in a World Series since 1993, that will try to prevent the Dodgers from winning a second consecutive World Series title, though it won’t be an easy task.
The Blue Jays’ rotation is a problem
Unlike the brilliance of all the Dodgers’ starting pitchers, Toronto lacks this caliber of arms, and this could be one of the team’s biggest weaknesses heading into the World Series 2025.
The Blue Jays have three reliable starting pitchers, though one is returning from injury and another is in his 40s. Two pitchers, Kevin Gausman and Trey Yesavage, rely heavily on their devastating splitters. Meanwhile, Shane Bieber remains effective but is far from the dominant pitcher he once was in Cleveland.
Among this group is former Dodgers pitcher Max Scherzer, who at 41 years old might be the most experienced arm in these high-stakes games. In Game 4 of the ALCS, Scherzer pitched 5.2 innings, allowing only two earned runs.
Another concern for the Blue Jays is their bullpen, which has been inconsistent throughout the playoffs. The team depends on a large mix of relievers to close out games, except for standout closer Jeff Hoffman and setup man Louis Varland, who have been the most reliable options.
A major key for the Los Angeles Dodgers will be limiting the damage caused by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., one of the toughest hitters to dominate in all of Major League Baseball (MLB). Like his father, Guerrero Jr. is known for hitting pitches outside the strike zone with incredible precision and power. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will need to focus his defensive strategy on keeping him under control.
After their ALCS victory over the Seattle Mariners, the Toronto Blue Jays will have home-field advantage in the 2025 World Series, with Game 1 scheduled for this Friday in Toronto.
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