The stage is set for the 121st edition of the MLB Fall Classic 2025 World Series, pitting the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers against the American League-winning Toronto Blue Jays. The best-of-seven series, a fascinating contrast between an established powerhouse and an eager contender, promises a thrilling conclusion to the baseball season. As the Blue Jays host the opening games, all eyes are on the star power and pitching matchups that will ultimately decide which team hoists the Commissioner’s Trophy.
When Does the World Series Start?
The 2025 World Series is officially underway as of Friday, October 24, 2025. The Fall Classic schedule is a mix of weekend and weekday matchups, ensuring maximum viewing for fans across North America and the world. All games are scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT start time, with pregame coverage beginning an hour earlier on FOX.
The full schedule (all times ET):
- Game 1: Friday, Oct. 24, Dodgers at Blue Jays (Rogers Centre)
- Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 25, Dodgers at Blue Jays (Rogers Centre)
- Game 3: Monday, Oct. 27, Blue Jays at Dodgers (Dodger Stadium)
- Game 4: Tuesday, Oct. 28, Blue Jays at Dodgers (Dodger Stadium)
- Game 5: Wednesday, Oct. 29, Blue Jays at Dodgers (Dodger Stadium)*
- Game 6: Friday, Oct. 31, Dodgers at Blue Jays (Rogers Centre)*
- Game 7: Saturday, Nov. 1, Dodgers at Blue Jays (Rogers Centre)*
Toronto earned home-field advantage by having a slightly better regular-season record, which means the series will open at Rogers Centre in Canada and—if it goes the distance—the decisive Game 7 will also be played in Toronto. The Dodgers, having swept their National League Championship Series opponent, come into the World Series with a week of rest, a potentially key advantage over a Blue Jays team that had to fight through a dramatic seven-game ALCS.
World Series Game 1: Matchup and Storylines
The opening contest of the 2025 Fall Classic is set to be a classic David vs. Goliath pitching duel. The Los Angeles Dodgers will send ace left-hander Blake Snell to the mound, while the Blue Jays counter with rookie sensation Trey Yesavage.
Snell has been virtually unhittable this postseason, with his dominant strikeout numbers and low ERA providing the foundation for the Dodgers’ success. However, Yesavage, a recent first-round pick, has impressed in his limited MLB starts, including crucial outings in the AL postseason. His performance against the stacked Dodgers lineup, featuring MVP-caliber hitters like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, will be the biggest x-factor of the night.
The Blue Jays’ offense, led by the scorching-hot Vladimir Guerrero Jr., will need to pressure the formidable Dodgers pitching staff early to take advantage of their home crowd’s energy. Guerrero Jr. has been arguably the most dominant hitter of the playoffs, and the Dodgers will be focused on limiting his impact, potentially pitching around him, and forcing the hitters behind him to beat them. For Los Angeles, the question is whether their deep lineup can maintain its consistent production against a determined Toronto pitching staff that is eager to prove the oddsmakers wrong.
Dodgers World Series Roster: Experience and Star Power
The Los Angeles Dodgers‘ 2025 World Series roster is a blend of unmatched star power, veteran experience, and a few key mid-season acquisitions. Their lineup is the deepest in baseball, built around the core of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, all of whom had sensational regular seasons and have continued their dominance in the playoffs. Ohtani, in particular, has captivated the baseball world with his two-way contributions, making history with a stellar pitching performance and mammoth home runs in the NLCS.
On the pitching side, the Dodgers’ starting rotation is their clear strength. Manager Dave Roberts has confirmed Blake Snell for Game 1 and young Japanese sensation Yoshinobu Yamamoto for Game 2. Yamamoto is coming off a complete-game masterpiece in the NLCS, giving the Dodgers tremendous confidence in their top two arms.
A major storyline surrounding the roster is the inclusion of legendary left-hander Clayton Kershaw. After being left off earlier postseason rosters due to struggles, the future Hall of Famer has made the World Series roster, likely in a relief role, offering a significant emotional boost and a veteran presence. In the bullpen, the late-inning relief is anchored by closer Roki Sasaki, a crucial international signing whose move to the closer role has solidified what was once considered a shaky unit. Other key contributors include veteran sluggers like Max Muncy and key postseason performers like utility man Kiké Hernández.
The Dodgers are seeking to capture their ninth franchise title and become back-to-back champions, cementing their place as the undisputed dynasty of the 2020s. Their depth, star power, and rested pitching staff make them the clear favorites, but the resilient Blue Jays will not be an easy out in this ultimate baseball showdown.
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