'We're not scared of them': Blue Jays ready to face Dodgers in World Series

Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman isn't worried about facing the high-priced Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.

"We've got a lot of guys making a lot of money, too," a beer-soaked Gausman said after Toronto won its first pennant in 32 years by beating the Seattle Mariners 4-3 on Monday night in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series.

"It's two really good teams. It's going to be some really good baseball," Gausman said. "A lot of big names, obviously."

That's for sure. But then again, Gausman is right that it's not only the defending champion Dodgers who boast some sizeable salaries. The veteran right-hander is paid $23 million US a year, making him one of four Blue Jays players earning more than $20 million a season. Also in that group are Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($28 million), George Springer ($25 million) and Chris Bassitt ($22 million).

Another six Toronto players earn more than $10 million a year, led by Jose Berrios' $19 million annual salary.

Toronto's opening-day payroll of $239,242,531 ranked fifth in baseball. The Dodgers ($319,537,290) were second to the New York Mets.

Of course, while the Blue Jays may have big earners, they haven't won any postseason hardware since claiming back-to-back World Series titles in 1992 and '93. They know Los Angeles is a star-studded team with an October track record lately that speaks for itself.

"To get to where you want to go, you've got to beat the best," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said of facing the Dodgers, who took two of three against Toronto during the regular season. "Whether it's talent, payroll, whatever you want to call it, man, they're a damn good team."

Blue Jays head to World Series

Schneider and the AL East champion Blue Jays will have