Dodgers vs. Blue Jays: Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 World Series

The stage is set for one of baseball's most anticipated matchups as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays prepare to face off in the 2025 World Series. Game 1 begins Friday night at Rogers Centre in Toronto, marking the Blue Jays' first Fall Classic appearance since their back-to-back championship runs in 1992-1993.

The Road to the World Series

The defending champion Dodgers earned their spot by sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series, showcasing dominant pitching and clutch performances from superstar Shohei Ohtani. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays secured home-field advantage by finishing the regular season with one more win than their West Coast counterparts, giving Toronto fans something they haven't experienced in over three decades: World Series baseball at home.

This matchup carries extra intrigue given the recent history between these franchises. In December 2023, the Blue Jays met with Ohtani during his free agency tour at their spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida. The team even gave the Japanese superstar gifts—a Blue Jays hat and a jacket for his dog, Decoy. Blue Jays manager John Schneider joked this week that he'd like those items returned.

"I hope he brought his hat, the Blue Jay hat that he took from us in our meeting. I hope he brought it back, finally," Schneider said Thursday. "And the jacket for Decoy. It's like, 'Give us our stuff back already.'"

When told about Schneider's comments, Ohtani smiled and said through a translator: "It's in my garage."

Key Storylines to Watch

Bo Bichette's Dramatic Return

In a significant roster move announced just hours before Game 1, the Blue Jays added Bo Bichette to their World Series roster. The two-time All-Star shortstop hasn't played since spraining his left knee in early September during a collision with Yankees catcher Austin Wells. Remarkably, Bichette will start at second base—a position he's never played in the major leagues—and bat cleanup in the opening game.

"I've been able to get a lot of good work in, but honestly, I'm leaning on a whole life's work of swings and at-bats that have all been dedicated to being ready for this moment," Bichette said. "I feel ready, and I'm ready to get out there. I'm super excited."

The 27-year-old had a rebound season before his injury, finishing second in the majors with a .311 batting average and posting 18 home runs with 94 RBIs and an .840 OPS.

Pitching Matchup for Game 1

The Dodgers will send Blake Snell to the mound for Game 1, and his postseason dominance has been nothing short of spectacular. The left-hander enters with a 3-0 record and a microscopic 0.86 ERA in the playoffs, having allowed just 2 earned runs over 21 innings while striking out 28 batters against only 5 walks. His evolution into a postseason ace represents one of the most compelling storylines of October baseball.

Opposing Snell will be Trey Yesavage, making his fourth playoff start despite having made just three MLB starts during the regular season. The young right-hander has embraced his underdog role, and his poise under pressure has been a revelation for Toronto.

How to Watch the World Series

Fox holds exclusive U.S. broadcast rights to the entire series, with coverage beginning at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT for all games. Joe Davis and Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz will handle play-by-play duties, with Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci providing sideline reporting.

For Spanish-language coverage, Fox Deportes will broadcast with Adrian Garcia-Marquez on play-by-play and former MLB infielder Edgar Gonzalez on analysis. The games are also available via the Fox Sports app, Fox One streaming service, and MLB.TV (with pay-TV authentication).

In Canada, Sportsnet provides English coverage while TVA Sports handles French-language broadcasts. ESPN Radio offers audio coverage in the U.S., with Jon "Boog" Sciambi calling the action alongside analysts Eduardo Pérez and Jessica Mendoza.

Complete Series Schedule

• Game 1 – Friday, Oct. 24: Los Angeles @ Toronto, 8 p.m. ET
• Game 2 – Saturday, Oct. 25: Los Angeles @ Toronto, 8 p.m. ET
• Game 3 – Monday, Oct. 27: Toronto @ Los Angeles, 8 p.m. ET
• Game 4 – Tuesday, Oct. 28: Toronto @ Los Angeles, 8 p.m. ET
• Game 5 – Wednesday, Oct. 29: Toronto @ Los Angeles, 8 p.m. ET (if necessary)
• Game 6 – Friday, Oct. 31: Los Angeles @ Toronto, 8 p.m. ET (if necessary)
• Game 7 – Saturday, Nov. 1: Los Angeles @ Toronto, 8 p.m. ET (if necessary)

The Dodgers' Quest to Repeat

Los Angeles enters as favorites to become the first team to win back-to-back World Series championships in 25 years. Under manager Dave Roberts, this marks the franchise's fifth World Series appearance since 2017. Beyond Ohtani's otherworldly talent—he hit three home runs while striking out 10 in the NLCS clincher—the Dodgers boast depth throughout their lineup and a pitching staff that has dominated this October.

The Dodgers did make roster adjustments for the World Series, adding right-handers Edgardo Henriquez and Will Klein while dropping lefty Alex Vesia due to a family matter and righty Ben Casparius. Notably, Clayton Kershaw, who was left off earlier postseason rosters, returns for what the future Hall of Famer has indicated will be his final postseason.

Toronto's Underdog Spirit

The Blue Jays have embraced their role as underdogs, relying on timely hitting and solid pitching rather than overwhelming star power. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and George Springer provide veteran leadership, but Toronto's success has come from contributions throughout the roster—a team-first approach reminiscent of their championship squads from the early '90s.

The return of Bichette adds another dimension to an already dangerous lineup. Manager Schneider confirmed Bichette could play multiple positions during the series, including second base, shortstop, or even designated hitter, giving Toronto flexibility to maximize their roster.

A Cross-Border Celebration

The international nature of this World Series hasn't gone unnoticed by political leaders. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a friendly wager on social media, with Ford posting: "With the Blue Jays heading to the World Series against the LA Dodgers, Governor Newsom and I have a friendly wager going. Win or lose, we're thrilled to celebrate great baseball, good neighbours and a friendship between Ontario and California!"

The gesture underscores how this series transcends baseball, representing a celebration of cross-border camaraderie and sporting excellence.

Conclusion

As the 2025 World Series prepares to unfold, baseball fans on both sides of the border have every reason to be excited. The Dodgers bring star power and championship experience, while the Blue Jays counter with hometown grit and a fanbase starving for October glory. Whether you're tuning in on Fox, streaming via MLB.TV, or listening on ESPN Radio, this best-of-seven series promises drama, unforgettable moments, and the crowning of a champion. The only question remaining: Will the Dodgers cement their dynasty, or will Toronto's drought-breaking journey culminate in championship gold?