The 2025 World Series opens on Friday night with a highly anticipated matchup between Shohei Ohtani’s Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. This marks the Dodgers’ second consecutive trip to the Fall Classic after they dispatched the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Milwaukee Brewers in the postseason. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are making their first World Series appearance since 1993, having outperformed strong American League opponents in the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners to reach this stage.
Game 1 is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time from the Rogers Centre in Toronto, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between two talented teams. The Dodgers will send left-hander Blake Snell to the mound. Snell boasts an impressive 3-0 record in the playoffs with a microscopic 0.86 ERA, signaling strong pitching to counter Toronto’s offensive threats. The Blue Jays will start right-hander Trey Yesavage, who has posted a 2-1 record with a 4.20 ERA during the postseason. This pitching matchup adds an intriguing layer to the game, contrasting Snell’s dominance with Yesavage’s steadiness.
As for betting odds, the Dodgers enter the game as favorites. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Los Angeles is priced at -156 on the money line, meaning a bettor must wager $156 to win $100. The Blue Jays are underdogs at +131, offering $130 in winnings for every $100 bet. The total runs over/under is set at 7.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair. Among individual player props, Shohei Ohtani draws significant attention. Bettors can wager on his total bases (over/under 1.5), hits (over/under 0.5), and RBIs (over/under 0.5), with Ohtani also available at +210 odds to hit a home run in this opening game.
For those interested in making informed bets, SportsLine’s advanced computer model offers valuable insights. The model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times and has proven profitable this season with a record of 35-29 on top-rated money-line picks. It has also excelled in predicting home run props, generating nearly 30 units of profit. Now, the model has turned its attention to the Dodgers versus Blue Jays World Series opener, releasing its picks and predictions to help bettors make smarter decisions. Users can access these picks on SportsLine’s platform and consider them before placing their wagers.
Turning to the players, Toronto boasts some formidable offensive weapons. First baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has been a standout performer throughout the playoffs. With a .442 batting average, six home runs, 12 RBIs, and 19 hits, Guerrero Jr. has led the Blue Jays’ offense. At 26 years old, he is also riding a four-game hitting streak heading into Game 1. One memorable recent performance came on October 19 against the Mariners, when Guerrero Jr. went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, further establishing his postseason impact.
Right fielder George Springer has been another key contributor for Toronto. In the playoffs, Springer has amassed four home runs, nine RBIs, and five doubles. His clutch hitting was on full display in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, where he delivered a go-ahead three-run homer in the seventh inning that helped propel the Blue Jays to victory. Toronto’s home-field advantage at Rogers Centre is also significant; the team posted an impressive 58-29 record at home during the regular season, giving them confidence and crowd support as they open the series.
On the Los Angeles side, Shohei Ohtani continues to cement his status as one of baseball’s most dynamic players. Ohtani leads the Dodgers with five home runs in the postseason and has driven in nine runs. His offensive dominance was evident on October 17 against the Brewers, when he went a perfect 3-for-3, all three hits being solo home runs. Over the course of the regular season, Ohtani ranked third in MLB home runs with 55 and was 14th in RBIs with 102. Beyond his hitting, Ohtani’s pitching has been equally impressive, as he has thrown 12 innings in the playoffs, allowing just three earned runs and striking out 19 batters. His two-way ability makes him a unique and invaluable asset