Jays vs Dodgers: Guerrero and Springer vs Ohtani in the 2025 World Series
The [Los Angeles Dodgers](/mlb/team/_/name/lad/los-angeles-dodgers) are the clear favorites to win the 2025 World Series and become the first team to repeat as champions in a quarter of a century. However, the road to victory is not paved only for them.
The [Toronto Blue Jays](/mlb/team/_/name/tor/toronto-blue-jays), American League champions, have two of the top three players heading into the series and almost half of the top 20. Let’s analyze the stars and predict who will stand out in this exciting contest.
Top 20 World Series Players
Shohei Ohtani, SP/DH, Dodgers
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays
George Springer, DH, Blue Jays
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, SP, Dodgers
Blake Snell, SP, Dodgers
Mookie Betts, SS, Dodgers
Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers
Alejandro Kirk, C, Blue Jays
Max Muncy, 3B, Dodgers
Tyler Glasnow, SP, Dodgers
Will Smith, C, Dodgers
Ernie Clement, 2B/3B, Blue Jays
Daulton Varsho, CF, Blue Jays
Kevin Gausman, SP, Blue Jays
Tommy Edman, 2B, Dodgers
Trey Yesavage, SP, Blue Jays
Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays
Addison Barger, RF, Blue Jays
Andy Pages, CF, Dodgers
Teoscar Hernandez, RF, Dodgers
World Series Superlatives
Faster release speed: Roki Sasaki
Sasaki, with a 100.8 mph fastball, surpasses Louis Varland (100.7 mph) and can give maximum effort more than Ohtani (100.3 mph).Best breaking pitch: Emmet Sheehan’s slider.
Sheehan’s slider was the Dodgers’ best pitch this season. Although it doesn’t have a spectacular spin, he throws it with power and hitters have difficulty connecting with it.Best change/splitter: Yesavage’s splitter.
Yesavage offers a unique combination of movement (his slider moves towards his arm), a very high release point, and a short extension. Added to this is an excellent splitter, which disconcerts the hitters.More punches: Snell.
Snell has been on a great run in the postseason and is expected to make two starts.Strongest hit: Guerrero.
Guerrero and Ohtani were second and third in maximum exit velocity during the regular season. Guerrero has been hotter at the plate, giving him a slight advantage.Sprint Speed: Clement.
Clement is expected to reach the bases frequently in the series.More hits: Guerrero.
Warrior, with a great contact ability and power, has a good chance to lead the series in hits.
Best defender: Kirk.
If “framing” is considered part of the defensive value, Kirk is the answer. He will impact half of the pitches in the series.
