The Los Angeles Dodgers have done it again, cementing their legacy as one of baseball’s modern dynasties. On November 1, 2025, the Dodgers clinched their ninth World Series title and, for the first time in 25 years, Major League Baseball crowned a repeat champion. The Dodgers’ victory over the Toronto Blue Jays was nothing short of spectacular—a seven-game thriller that saw Los Angeles rally from a 3–2 series deficit and deliver heroics in extra innings to claim back-to-back championships.
Game 7 quickly became the stuff of legend. Trailing late, the Dodgers found themselves staring down defeat in the ninth inning. But infielder Miguel Rojas stepped up to the plate and launched a dramatic, game-tying home run that sent shockwaves through the stadium and set the stage for extra innings. The tension was palpable. Every pitch felt like it could tip the balance, and fans on both sides could barely sit still. Then, in the top of the 11th inning, catcher Will Smith—already a two-time champion—delivered the decisive blow. Smith’s go-ahead homer not only put the Dodgers ahead but also etched his name into franchise lore. As the ball sailed over the fence, it was clear: the Dodgers weren’t just defending champions, they were rewriting history.
Starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto was the undeniable star of the Fall Classic. The right-hander, in his first year with the Dodgers, showcased nerves of steel and a rubber arm, winning three games in the series. When manager Dave Roberts called on him in Game 7, Yamamoto delivered 2 2/3 innings of clutch relief, shutting down Toronto’s offense and giving his team a chance to rally. For his dominant postseason performance, Yamamoto was named World Series MVP—a fitting reward for the pitcher who became the Dodgers’ anchor. "He’s been our rock all postseason," Roberts said after the game, his pride evident. "Yoshinobu gave us everything and then some."
The Dodgers’ path to glory wasn’t always smooth. They faced adversity throughout the season and playoffs, with injuries and bullpen inconsistencies threatening to derail their campaign. Yet, under the steady leadership of manager Dave Roberts, the team found ways to adapt and overcome. Roberts, who has now guided the Dodgers to three World Series titles in six years, was quick to credit his players’ resilience. "This group never quits. No matter the score, no matter the inning, they believe they can win," Roberts told reporters in the postgame scrum.
One player who embodied that fighting spirit was Will Smith. Dubbed the “baby-faced killer” by Roberts, Smith not only managed the pitching staff behind the plate but also delivered the most important swing of the season. Just days after his Game 7 heroics, Smith celebrated with fans in a unique way—by trading his catcher’s mitt for a spatula at Raising Cane’s newest Hollywood location. On the morning of November 5, Smith served up chicken fingers and smiles to a throng of Dodgers faithful, bringing championship energy to the fast-food counter. The event, which ran from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at 6800 W. Sunset Blvd., was more than just a publicity stunt—it was a chance for Smith to give back. Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves joined the celebration and presented a $50,000 donation to Smith’s Catching Hope Foundation, supporting youth baseball initiatives across Los Angeles. "Los Angeles Dodgers Superstar WILL SMITH Brings Championship Energy to Raising Cane’s in Los Angeles for a Victory ‘Shift’ with Super Fans," the restaurant announced in a statement.
This wasn’t the first time a Dodgers star has connected with fans in such a way. Last year, Kiké Hernández marked the team’s World Series win by working a shift at the Raising Cane’s Alhambra location, serving up food and fun after another championship run. It’s become something of a tradition—one that reflects the Dodgers’ deep ties to their community and their fans’ unwavering support. For Smith, it was another way to savor the moment and thank the city that’s cheered him on every step of the way.
But as the confetti settles and the champagne dries, the Dodgers front office is already looking ahead. With a three-peat in sight for 2026, Los Angeles wasted no time making offseason moves. According to MiLB transaction logs, the Dodgers released right-handed relief pitcher Matt Sauer, who struggled in the regular season with a 6.37 ERA over 29 1/3 innings and did not appear in the postseason. Sauer’s departure is likely the first of several roster changes, as the team seeks to shore up its bullpen—an area that required heavy reliance on starting pitchers throughout the playoffs. The Dodgers’ rotation, led by Yamamoto, was forced to cover significant relief innings, a strategy that’s effective in October but not sustainable over a 162-game campaign.
Internal options remain, with left-hander Tanner Scott aiming for a bounce-back year, but the front office is expected to be aggressive this winter. Bolstering the bullpen and adding outfield depth top the list of priorities. With a robust farm system and enviable financial flexibility, the Dodgers are well-positioned to make impactful moves. Much of the championship core remains under team control, giving the organization stability as it chases history. The goal? To become the first team in more than a quarter-century to win three consecutive World Series titles.
As for the Blue Jays, their Cinderella run ended in heartbreak, but the young squad proved they belong on baseball’s biggest stage. Toronto pushed the Dodgers to the brink, and with a talented roster returning, there’s every reason to believe they’ll be back in contention next year. For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Los Angeles—a city that’s grown accustomed to October celebrations and parade routes down Figueroa Street.
The Dodgers’ 2025 championship run will be remembered for its drama, its resilience, and its unforgettable moments. From Rojas’s clutch homer to Smith’s game-winner, from Yamamoto’s brilliance to the outpouring of fan support at Raising Cane’s, this was a title earned the hard way. As the team sets its sights on 2026, one thing’s for sure: the Dodgers aren’t done making history just yet.
