The [Los Angeles Dodgers](/mlb/team/_/name/lad/los-angeles-dodgers) are the undisputed favorites to win the 2025 World Series and become the first team to repeat as champions in a quarter of a century. However, the road to glory is not without obstacles, especially when facing the [Toronto Blue Jays](/mlb/team/_/name/tor/toronto-blue-jays), champions of the American League, who have impressive talent. The Blue Jays are not far behind, as they feature two of the three most outstanding players of the series and almost half of the top 20. Let’s analyze the stars, evaluating their projected performance and predicting who will take home the individual awards.
The 20 Key Players of the World Series
- Shohei Ohtani, SP/DH, Dodgers: Ohtani, with a combined WAR of 9.4 in the regular season, is the main candidate for the National League MVP. His performance in the decisive game of the National League Championship Series, with six scoreless innings, 10 strikeouts, and three home runs, was memorable.
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Blue Jays: Guerrero had an outstanding regular season and has shone in the playoffs, leading the players in most offensive categories.
- George Springer, DH, Blue Jays: Springer led the Jays in WAR during the regular season and his home run in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series will be remembered.
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto, SP, Dodgers: Yamamoto was the Dodgers’ best starting pitcher in the regular season and one of the top five pitchers in the league.
- Blake Snell, SP, Dodgers: Snell, after recovering from an injury, has shown exceptional performance in the playoffs, with an ERA of 0.86 in three starts.
- Mookie Betts, SS, Dodgers: Betts, a future Hall of Famer, remains an impact player despite his age.
- Freddie Freeman, 1B, Dodgers: Freeman, one of the most consistent hitters of this era, always performs in the playoffs.
- Alejandro Kirk, C, Blue Jays: Kirk was the second-best overall catcher in the league, standing out for his ability to get on base and his work with pitches.
- Max Muncy, 3B, Dodgers: Muncy is a solid baserunner and defender, as well as being a dangerous hitter.
- Tyler Glasnow, SP, Dodgers: Glasnow, despite issues with walks, continues to strike out many hitters and generate weak contact.
- Will Smith, C, Dodgers: Smith, although he hasn’t performed well offensively in the playoffs, was the third-best catcher in WAR of the season.
- Ernie Clement, 2B/3B, Blue Jays: Clement has had an outstanding performance in the postseason, with a batting average of .429.
- Daulton Varsho, CF, Blue Jays: Varsho is an above-average player in almost every aspect of the game.
- Kevin Gausman, SP, Blue Jays: Gausman, despite having one of the lowest pitching speeds among pitchers of his level, has performed well in the regular season.
- Tommy Edman, 2B, Dodgers: Edman is a good defender in almost any position and has performed well in the playoffs.
- Trey Yesavage, SP, Blue Jays: Yesavage, with his splitter, has confused hitters in his appearances in the league.
- Bo Bichette, SS, Blue Jays: Bichette is expected to return to the Jays’ lineup for the World Series, but his performance is uncertain due to an injury.
- Addison Barger, RF, Blue Jays: Barger has proven to be an above-average hitter, mainly thanks to his power.
- Andy Pages, CF, Dodgers: Pages was an outstanding hitter and defender in the regular season, with a WAR of 4.0.
- Teoscar Hernandez, RF, Dodgers: Hernandez has shown power in the regular season and in the postseason.
World Series Superlatives
Best defender: Kirk.
