The 2025 World Series has arrived, and with it comes one of the most unexpected but tantalizing matchups in recent memory: the Los Angeles Dodgers face off against the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 1, opening at Dodger Stadium. It’s a coast-to-coast clash between a powerhouse built on high expectations and a squad that’s battled from the brink to the biggest stage in baseball.
Yamamoto’s World Series Debut Carries Massive Stakes
As the odds stand, the Dodgers are favored at -142 on the moneyline, while the Blue Jays sit at +120 — a clear reflection of the public’s confidence in L.A.’s home field advantage and depth. But if there’s anything we’ve learned from this postseason, it’s that the Blue Jays are not afraid of the underdog role. They’ve thrived in it.
On the mound, Game 1 features a duel that could set the tone for the entire series: Yoshinobu Yamamoto takes the ball for the Dodgers, while Chris Bassitt starts for Toronto. Yamamoto, the high-profile Japanese phenom, will make his World Series debut under intense pressure, not only to justify the massive contract that brought him to L.A., but also to deliver in a postseason in which he has faltered at times. Bassitt, meanwhile, brings veteran poise and an arsenal that frustrates hitters more than it overpowers them — a style that could play well in a tense Game 1 scenario.
Dodgers Have Firepower, But Toronto’s Timely Bats Can’t Be Overlooked
This matchup isn’t just about talent. It’s about momentum, poise, and performance under pressure. The Dodgers have built a team meant to dominate, but they’ve stumbled in recent Octobers. The Blue Jays, scrappy and relentless, seem to be peaking at the right moment. Toronto’s bullpen has come up clutch repeatedly in these playoffs, and their lineup — led by Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and a red-hot Davis Schneider — has delivered timely offense when it matters most.
From a betting perspective, the Dodgers are the safer play, but the Blue Jays offer significant value, particularly on the run line at +1.5 (-154). Prop bettors will be eyeing Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, both of whom have favorable matchups. But don’t sleep on Toronto’s hitters — especially Bichette, who’s shown a knack for rising to the occasion.
Game 1 Isn’t Just a Matchup — It’s a Momentum War
Game 1 isn’t just a starting point — it’s a pressure cooker. If Yamamoto falters early, the Dodgers’ blueprint begins to crack. If Bassitt outduels him, the Blue Jays seize control of the narrative. The stakes couldn’t be higher. And under the lights of Chavez Ravine, baseball’s grandest stage is set.
