The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again at the center of the baseball universe, having punched their ticket to the 2025 World Series with a resounding sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Championship Series. With a postseason record of 9-1, the Dodgers have been nothing short of dominant this October, giving themselves a well-earned breather as they await the outcome of the American League Championship Series (ALCS)—a clash still very much in progress between the Seattle Mariners and the Toronto Blue Jays.
As of Sunday, October 19, the Mariners hold a slim 3-2 lead over the Blue Jays, setting the stage for a dramatic Game 6 in Toronto. Should the Blue Jays force a Game 7, the decisive battle would take place on Monday, October 20, at Rogers Centre. The stakes could not be higher, with both teams hungry for a shot at baseball’s ultimate prize and the Dodgers watching closely to see who will emerge as their World Series opponent.
For the Dodgers, the waiting game is about more than just scouting their next foe. Home-field advantage in the World Series is still up in the air, hinging on the outcome of the ALCS. The Dodgers finished the regular season with a 93-69 record—better than the Mariners’ 90-72, but trailing the Blue Jays’ 94-68. If the Blue Jays advance, the Dodgers will start the Fall Classic on the road in Toronto. If the Mariners prevail, Dodger Stadium will host Game 1, giving Los Angeles the comfort of home turf where they went an impressive 52-29 this season.
The 2025 World Series is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 24, regardless of the ALCS outcome. Game 2 follows on Saturday, October 25, before the series shifts venues after a travel day on Sunday, October 26. The schedule is set and, unlike last year, does not include flexible dates—so fans can mark their calendars with confidence. If the series stretches the distance, a winner-take-all Game 7 will be played on Saturday, November 1.
The Dodgers’ remarkable run marks their fifth World Series appearance in nine seasons—a testament to the consistency and excellence that has defined the franchise under manager Dave Roberts. As the team looks to become the first back-to-back champions in 25 years, Roberts is keeping his squad focused on the present. “I don’t think what we did last year has any relevance this year. There are a lot of guys in that room who weren’t part of last year’s team,” Roberts stated, making it clear that the 2025 Dodgers are writing their own story.
That story is filled with both familiar faces and new contributors, all buying into Roberts’ philosophy of teamwork and preparation. The Dodgers’ loaded roster, featuring the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith, has combined veteran experience with postseason poise. Their pitching staff, built around missing bats, posted a 24.8 percent strikeout rate—second-highest in the majors—and has kept that pace against playoff competition. No wonder Los Angeles has looked nearly unbeatable so far.
But who will the Dodgers face in their quest for another championship? Both the Mariners and Blue Jays present unique challenges—and opportunities. The Mariners, seeking their first-ever World Series title, have shown resilience and power throughout October. Their offense, while dangerous, has a tendency to strike out, with a 23.3 percent rate that ranked seventh-highest in the league. Some of their top hitters, like Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Eugenio Suárez, have particularly high strikeout rates. This could play right into the Dodgers’ hands, given their pitching prowess.
Seattle’s pitching staff is formidable, too, with Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Luis Castillo leading the charge. The health of Bryan Woo, who recently returned from a pectoral injury to throw two innings in relief, remains a question mark. If Woo is fully fit, the Mariners could match the Dodgers’ rotation blow for blow. However, Seattle has struggled on the road, finishing the regular season 39-42 away from T-Mobile Park, and their pitching has been less effective outside the Pacific Northwest (4.50 ERA on the road versus 3.28 at home).
The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are a team with plenty of pop and postseason grit, but they’re not at full strength. Key players like outfielder Anthony Santander are unavailable, shortstop Bo Bichette hasn’t appeared this postseason, and designated hitter George Springer exited Game 5 after being hit by a pitch. Rookie Trey Yesavage is being called upon to keep their hopes alive in Game 6. Toronto’s left-handed pitching options are limited—Brendon Little, Mason Fluharty, and Eric Lauer are the only southpaws on the active roster, and each has carried a heavy workload. This could be a crucial factor, especially when facing lefty-mashers like Ohtani and Freeman.
There’s also the matter of travel and home-field advantage. If the Dodgers have to start in Toronto, they’ll face a raucous Rogers Centre crowd and the challenge of playing their first two games on the road. But if Seattle wins, Los Angeles will enjoy the comforts of Dodger Stadium, where their fans have been treated to some unforgettable October moments.
The World Series schedule is already set, with Games 1 and 2 on October 24 and 25, a rest day on October 26, and Games 3 and 4 on October 27 and 28. If the series goes the distance, Games 5, 6, and 7 are slated for October 29, October 31, and November 1, with travel days built in for both teams. No matter who advances from the AL, the Dodgers will be ready—rested, prepared, and determined to defend their crown.
For baseball fans, this is what October is all about: drama, strategy, and the pursuit of glory. The Dodgers are chasing history, but the Mariners and Blue Jays are equally eager to write their own. As the countdown to the World Series continues, all eyes remain on the final battles of the ALCS. Will the Dodgers get the home-field edge, or will they have to conquer Toronto on the road? The answer is just days away, and the excitement is only building.
One thing’s for sure: when the first pitch of the 2025 World Series is thrown on October 24, the baseball world will be watching, eager to see which team will seize the moment and etch their name into the annals of MLB history.
