It has been an epic postseason thus far. Now let’s explore how the Dodgers and Yankees arrived at the World Series.
This may have been the best postseason we have seen in years filled with exciting moments and drama. Now we’ve reached the point where we see the final remaining teams battle it all out for a World Series title. Going up in the World Series is the Los Angeles Dodgers versus the New York Yankees. This is a dream matchup that people have been waiting years to happen. This matchup almost happened back in 2017, but thanks to the cheating scandal by the Houston Astros, that matchup had to wait. Now the long await is finally over. These two teams will meet in the World Series for the first time since 1981.
Los Angeles won the previous meeting in six games. Those were different teams back then. The Dodgers had stars like SP Fernando Venezuela, OF Dusty Baker, and 3B Pedro Guerrero. While New York on the other hand were stacked as well. They featured notable names such as OF Reggie Jackson, SP Ron Guidry, and 2B Willie Randolph.
How The Yankees Arrived Here
After miserably missing the playoffs last year, the New York Yankees needed to search for answers. In the offseason, they finally figured out what went wrong. It was the offense that was an issue. So, they went all-in for star OF Juan Soto. It was a move that had to happen. The trade did come with a cost, but it was all worth it. This season, New York was able to turn their season around because of Soto. He had no issues handling the pressure of New York. Soto had an impressive season for the Yankees, hitting .288 with 166 hits, 41 home runs, and 109 RBIs in over 157 games. But he wasn’t the storyline for New York’s success this season.
OF Aaron Judge also played a crucial role for why the team has made it this far to the World Series. He started the season slow in the first month of the season. It was concerning to many fans. However, in May, Judge started to find his rhythm. His performance improved drastically, leading to a string of games where he excelled. Even better, he almost had the chance to break his own home run record that he broke in 2022, but it was too late. Still, he finished with a strong season and that’s what matters.
New York would go on to finish this season with the 94-68 record and it was the third best in MLB. They trailed the Dodgers by a couple of games for the very best record. Still, New York got the bye and home-field advantage throughout the AL playoffs. The team had the top record for the American League at the very least. It’s incredible to see how they transformed quickly into a playoff team after such a disappointing 2023 season.
How The Dodgers Arrived Here
Heading into this season, the Los Angeles Dodgers had heavy expectations of making a deep run into the playoffs and reaching the World Series. The last couple of seasons were filled with disappointments. Changes had to be made, and they have done so. Early last offseason they went all-in and signed sensational superstars DH Shohei Ohtani and SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But they weren’t the only headliners for Los Angeles this past offseason. The Dodgers also made blockbuster moves on the trade market. They went out and acquired SP Tyler Glasnow from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for SP Ryan Pepiot and CF Jonny Deluca. Indeed, it was a successful offseason for the team.
The biggest storyline for the Dodgers this entire season was Ohtani. In his first season in a Dodgers uniform, he had an extraordinary year. He came close to winning a Triple Crown but fell short. Ohtani finished the 2024 season with a .310 batting average, 54 home runs, 13o RBIs, and 59 stolen bases. Then there was Yoshinobu Yamamoto. He also had a great debut season in Dodgers uniform. He finished the season with a record of 7-2, maintaining an impressive 3.00 ERA over 90 innings pitched.
Los Angeles went on to become the most consistent team in all of baseball. As a result of their consistency, they have earned themselves the best record of baseball. It was enough to give themselves home field advantage throughout the World Series.
Why The Yankees Will Win the Series
New York is looking poised and motivated to claiming their first title in 15 years. It feels like this is the year that they get it done. After the bullpen started to get exposed late in September, it has been the whole story so far in October for the Yanks. There have been relievers that are coming through for the team so far. One of the most notable names is RP Luke Weaver. Ever since he was moved to the closer role, he’s been lights out. In just eight appearances, he just eight strikeouts. You also got LHP Tim Hill, and he is the most surprising one. Hill, before he was a Yankee, was a struggling reliever with the Chicago White Sox. Once pitching coach Matt Blake met him, he’s become an underrated reliever.
Then you have the big bats. Yes, you have Soto and Judge, but other big names have becoming through as well. The one guy that has done the most damage is DH Giancarlo Stanton. Recently, he just won the ALCS MVP. There’s a reason why he won and it’s because of his clutch performance. In the previous series, he recorded five runs, four home runs, and seven RBIs. Continuing to stay hot will be crucial for the Yankees as they open up their series with the Dodgers on Friday night.
Why The Dodgers Will Win the Series
The Dodgers are in the Fall Classic for a reason. They own MLB’s best record this year, but there’s more to it. They have a stacked lineup that can scare the Yankees pitching. Their hitters from one through five are tough outs. Even better, they seem motivated as well to win it all. Beyond Ohtani, OF Mookie Betts, C Will Smith, and OF Teoscar Hernandez are all dangerous hitters. Plus, UTL Enrique Hernandez is at his best in the postseason so do not take him lightly.
Series Prediction
I expect this series to be a dogfight. It won’t be easy either, but it will be a fun one to watch. Here I have the Yankees finally ending their World Series drought. I predict they will defeat MLB’s best Dodgers in six games.
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