The 2025 World Series kicks off on Friday night with an exciting matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. This highly anticipated Game 1 will take place at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, with the first pitch scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Both teams have battled through tough postseason runs to secure their spots in the Fall Classic, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the World Series as defending National League champions, having secured their second consecutive pennant. Throughout the playoffs, the Dodgers demonstrated their dominance by eliminating formidable opponents including the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers. Their consistent performance has made them a favorite heading into the World Series. Left-handed pitcher Blake Snell, boasting an impressive 3-0 record and an extraordinary 0.86 ERA this postseason, is slated to start Game 1 for Los Angeles. His stellar pitching has been a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ playoff success, providing a strong foundation as they aim to secure another championship title.
On the other side, the Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as a formidable force in the American League, making their first World Series appearance since 1993. Toronto’s path to the championship series was marked by strong performances against the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners, showcasing their resilience and talent. While the Blue Jays have yet to announce their starting pitcher for Game 1, the team boasts a deep and versatile roster capable of challenging the Dodgers’ pitching staff. Playing on home turf at Rogers Centre, the Blue Jays will look to leverage their home-field advantage in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
In terms of betting odds, the Dodgers are favored with a money line of -154 at DraftKings Sportsbook, meaning bettors would need to risk $154 to win $100 on Los Angeles. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are listed as +129 underdogs, offering a potential $129 profit on a $100 wager. The over/under for total runs scored in the game is set at 7.5, reflecting expectations for a competitive and engaging offensive battle. For fans and bettors seeking expert insights, SportsLine’s proven computer model offers MLB predictions and betting advice, having shown success with a 35-29 record on top-rated money-line picks this season and exceptional returns on home run prop bets.
Highlighting some of the key players to watch, Toronto’s first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a powerhouse throughout the postseason. Guerrero Jr. leads the Blue Jays in several offensive categories, including batting average (.442), home runs (6), RBIs (12), and hits (19). At just 26 years old, he is entering Game 1 on a four-game hitting streak, bringing momentum and a potent bat to the lineup. His recent performance against the Mariners, where he hit a solo home run and went 2-for-4, underscores his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Another offensive threat for Toronto is right fielder George Springer. In the playoffs, Springer has contributed four home runs, nine RBIs, and five doubles. His clutch hitting was on full display in Game 7 of the ALCS when he launched a pivotal three-run homer in the seventh inning to give the Blue Jays a crucial lead. Toronto’s strong home record this year, with 58 wins and only 29 losses, adds to their confidence as they prepare to face the Dodgers in front of their home fans.
For Los Angeles, two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani stands out as a key contributor on both offense and the mound. Ohtani has hit five home runs in the postseason so far, driving in nine runs. His remarkable performance against the Brewers on October 17, where he went 3-for-3 with three solo home runs, highlights his unique ability to impact the game in multiple ways. During the regular season, Ohtani ranked third in the MLB in home runs with 55 and was 14th in RBIs with 102. As a pitcher, he has thrown 12 innings in the playoffs, allowing just three earned runs while recording 19 strikeouts, underscoring his dual-threat value.
Additionally, right fielder Teoscar Hernandez has been a reliable run producer for the Dodgers. He leads the team in postseason RBIs with 11 and carries a .268 batting average along with four home runs. The Dodgers have demonstrated strong performance as favorites this season, going 92-61 overall and 43-40 on the