World Series 2025: MLB insiders predict Dodgers-Blue Jays - ESPN

The 2025 World Series is nearly upon us, with the Toronto Blue Jays set to host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 on Friday night.

Which team has the edge going into the Series? What should you expect from the Dodgers' pitching staff — and from Toronto's batters trying to hit L.A.'s aces? And which X factors will determine this October's last team standing?

ESPN MLB reporters Buster Olney and Jesse Rogers teamed up to ask 19 baseball execs, scouts, managers and coaches to break down what to expect in every aspect of this year's Fall Classic, starting with predicting the world champions.

Los Angeles Dodgers: 18 responses

National League scout: «The Dodgers will ride their starting pitching to another title in five games.»

Current manager: «Dodgers in five. The Dodgers' starting pitching is just so good right now that it's going to be tough on anyone.»

Former manager: «David vs. Goliath. I think the Dodgers, only because of the starting pitching depth. Both teams have weaknesses in their bullpens, and the Dodgers get more length out of their starters — or at least they let them go deeper.»

Former manager: «Nobody is beating that Dodger rotation. People can talk all they want about the [financial] disparity, but the Dodgers have done a great job getting those guys ready for this time of year, holding them back, giving them rest during the season.»

NL exec: «I have the Dodgers winning it, but Toronto won't roll over. It could go six games.»

Former NL manager: «I just don't see the Dodgers getting beat. The best shot to beat them was in a shorter series.»

American League coach: «The Dodgers' depth of pitching is pretty impressive. What will help the Blue Jays is that they don't punch out, and they'll have a chance to grind