Baseball’s Fall Classic, better known as the World Series, has seen its fair share of historic moments over the years. From jaw dropping home runs to controversial finishes, the World Series reminds us every year why we watch America’s pastime. 

This year, the World Series will begin north of the border for the first time in over 30 years as the Blue Jays, representing the American League, take on the National League’s Los Angeles Dodgers. The two teams are different in terms of both team construction and path to the World Series. The Dodgers have prolific power hitters and pitchers, including Japanese born superstar Shohei Ohtani, who signed a record breaking 700 million dollar contract in Dec. of 2023. The Blue Jays, on the other hand, are less of a power threat and more of a high average/contact based team. They boast the lowest strikeout rate in the AL as well as the highest team batting average. Their strategy of putting the ball in play has resulted in less homeruns, but more success in terms of winning. Last season they finished last in the American League East with just 74 wins, this year, however, they finished first with 94 wins finishing above the Yankees and Red Sox. 

Both teams have carried their regular season success with them to the playoffs, but the Blue Jays, unlike the Dodgers, were just eight outs away from not being in the World Series at all. Toronto, after beating the Yankees in an intense four game series in the ALDS, went to seven games with the Seattle Mariners in the ALCS. In the seventh inning, former World Series Champion, George Springer, hit a three run home run to give the Blue Jays a late lead which would end up being the difference in the game. The Blue Jays, like they have all year, persevered and battled until the end and entered the fall classic with energy and momentum. 

The Dodgers had a relatively smooth ride to the World Series, beating the Phillies in four games in the NLDS, and sweeping the Brewers in the NLCS. The defending champs enter this year’s World Series red hot, and continue to be the team to beat. 

The Dodgers have the pitching, hitting and star power to win the World Series. The one question mark remains to be their bullpen, however, if they can get great starting pitching from their well rested starters, as they did in the NLCS, they are without a doubt the favorites to win the Fall Classic. If Toronto wants to pull the upset, they have to continue to do what they have done all season: put the ball in play but especially get runners on base. The Blue Jays do not see a lot of pitches and can be prone to quick outs and quick innings if they do not get runners on base. The goal for the Blue Jays is to rely on their stars Vlad Guerrero Jr. and George Springer and get to the spotty Dodger bullpen.