The Toronto Blue Jays have advanced to the World Series after defeating the New York Yankees in the American League Division Series and securing a come-from-behind victory against the Seattle Mariners in the American League Championship Series. Their next opponent will be the Los Angeles Dodgers, known as the Final Boss in baseball.
While the Blue Jays have captured the nation’s imagination this season, facing the formidable Dodgers poses a significant challenge. Despite the Dodgers having a higher payroll of $350 million US compared to Toronto’s $255 million US, they won one fewer regular-season game. Additionally, the Dodgers’ pitching lineup has been stronger during the post-season, with three of their top pitchers boasting an ERA under two.
In terms of home runs, Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers has been a standout player with 55 home runs, matching the combined total of George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays. However, Toronto excelled in batting average and on-base percentage during the regular season.
The Blue Jays have faced the Dodgers only a few times per season, with a less-than-stellar record against them. Historically, the Dodgers have been more experienced in the post-season, making it to the playoffs consistently since 2013 and winning the World Series twice.
As the Blue Jays prepare to face the Dodgers in the World Series, Canadian sports fans hope for a victory that would bring a major league championship back home. The journey begins with Game 1 at Rogers Centre on Friday at 8 p.m.