The 2024 World Series, the 121st Fall Classic, is set to feature a thrilling matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers. As baseball fans eagerly anticipate this best-of-seven series, experts and writers weigh in on how the championship will be decided, who the key players are, and which team will ultimately claim the title. Central to much of the discussion is Shohei Ohtani, the two-way superstar whose remarkable talents on both the mound and at the plate have sparked comparisons to baseball legends and redefined what it means to be a dominant player in the modern game.
### Shohei Ohtani: A Baseball Phenomenon
Shohei Ohtani stands apart not only in this World Series but in the entire history of Major League Baseball. His ability to excel simultaneously as a pitcher and hitter has drawn awe and admiration. In Game 4 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), Ohtani struck out 10 batters over six shutout innings while also hitting long home runs, showcasing his rare blend of power and pitching prowess. Legendary pitcher Greg Maddux captured the sentiment perfectly, comparing Ohtani to Nolan Ryan and Barry Bonds, two icons of pitching and hitting, respectively.
Such cross-era comparisons are always tricky. Players from Babe Ruth’s and Cy Young’s eras played in vastly different conditions, and the athletes today are bigger, stronger, and fitter. Yet, Ohtani’s dominance in two demanding and distinct disciplines—pitching and hitting—is nothing short of superhuman. Unlike the legendary Ruth, who pitched and hit but not at the same time or at Ohtani’s level, or Mike Trout, who is an outstanding hitter but does not pitch, Ohtani’s unique dual-threat ability places him in a category all his own. In the analytics-driven modern era, where specialists dominate, Ohtani is rewriting the very definition of a baseball superstar.
### Series Schedule and Viewing Information
The World Series will follow the traditional best-of-seven format, with games starting on Friday, October 24, and potentially extending to Saturday, November 1. The first two games will be played in Toronto, followed by up to five games in Los Angeles. All games are scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Fans in the United States can watch the series on FOX, both on cable and via the FOX Sports app. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports holds the broadcast rights, while viewers in Australia can tune in through the local branch of ESPN and its digital platforms.
### Keys to Victory for the Toronto Blue Jays
For the Blue Jays, winning the World Series hinges on their ability to disrupt the Dodgers’ powerful starting rotation early in games. This means applying pressure on LA’s starters right from the first inning, demanding solid offensive performances from star hitters like George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., as well as consistent, tough at-bats from veterans such as Alejandro Kirk and Daulton Varsho.
Guerrero Jr. has been a postseason force, hitting six home runs and boasting an astounding batting line of .442/.510/1.440. His hot bat could be the key to breaking the Dodgers’ pitching rhythm. Toronto’s contact-heavy lineup aims to grind down the Dodgers’ starters by extending at-bats and raising pitch counts, forcing the Dodgers’ manager Dave Roberts to rely heavily on his bullpen—a potential vulnerability.
Defensively, the Blue Jays must avoid costly errors and play conservatively, focusing on taking outs to prevent big innings. The combination of Guerrero’s offense and Bo Bichette’s protection in the lineup could give Toronto a puncher’s chance. Additionally, Toronto’s strategy includes wearing down the Dodgers’ healthy starters and capitalizing on any opportunities on the basepaths while avoiding reckless play.
### Dodgers’ Strengths and Strategies
The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the World Series as a team brimming with star power and formidable talent, especially in their pitching staff. Their starters have been dominant throughout the playoffs, posting a staggering 1.40 ERA and 0.75 WHIP across 64.1 innings in 10 starts. In nine of those starts, the Dodgers’ pitchers allowed four hits or fewer, underscoring their exceptional control and dominance.
The Dodgers’ offense is balanced and dangerous, particularly when the bottom of the lineup gets on base to frustrate opposing pitchers with long at-bats. Key contributors like Tommy Edman, Max Muncy, and Enrique Hernández