Before the season even began, some people were ready to hand the 2025 World Series championship crown to the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is simply because the team spends money and gets the best players on their side. The narrative went- why compete with them, when it is they who will win. And call it manifestation or now, because LA is back right where they were last season-back on baseball’s biggest stage.

After a commanding NLCS sweep of the Brewers, LA punched its ticket to a second straight World Series appearance with a shot at becoming MLB’s first repeat champion since the ’90s Yankees. This is a team that’s built for October, and now they are like a lion in waiting—waiting for their prey. And right now, it could be Toronto or Seattle, who are fighting in the ALCS.

On paper, the Jays have flashes of brilliance, but their road to the WS is far from smooth. They have burned through much of their pitching depth just to stay alive, and now they have forced a game 7. To even reach the Dodgers, they would need Trey Yesavage to deliver a gem again. But even then, there is a huge problem with the Jays.

Athletic highlighted a glaring loophole in the Jays, saying, “These are not the fully functional Blue Jays, which could help as the Dodgers’ starters keep rolling.” And honestly, there is a lie in this—the Jays simply are not riding in full strength. Their lineup, which was once the deepest in the AL, has been gutted by injuries at the worst possible time. Anthony Santander is not there, Bo Bichette hasn’t appeared in the postseason, and George Springer had to leave Game 5 after getting drilled by a Bryan Woo fastball. The Jays’ bench is carrying the offensive lead, and that’s a huge concern when they are planning to face a team as strong as LA.

As The Athletic pointed out, “Granted, the Blue Jays could get to the World Series thanks in large part to first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s bat going into turbo mode throughout October.” And truly, he has been sensational, but even his fireworks can’t offset the absences around him. Athletic also highlights that the supporting cast, names like Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, and Alejandro Kirk, all lack the punch and postseason experience needed to carry an offense this deep into October.

This is where the Dodgers’ advantage becomes glaring. While Toronto has been fighting for survival, LA has been fine-tuning the rotation and even resting the stars. They will enter the last leg fresh and locked in.

Trey Yesavage silences doubters as Toronto Blue Jays force Game 7

There is one name who can change it all for the Toronto Blue Jays, and it is Trey Yesavage. He is the one who gave the Rogers Center one of those nights they might not forget. For the second time this postseason, the rookie walked off to a standing ovation—and this meant everything. With the Jays’ season hanging by a thread, he delivered 5.2 innings of pure grit in Game 6 of the ALCS, striking out seven and holding the Mariners to just two runs on six hits.

It was only Yesavage’s sixth big league start, yet he looked like any other seasoned ace out there. He mowed through Seattle’s lineup early. He struck out five of the first eight batters he faced while feeding off the energy of a charged-up Toronto crowd. Yesavage said afterward, “This was the most electric, energized crowd I’ve ever played in front of before. The team rallied behind the fans—they were a huge motivation for us.”

The 22-year-old set a Blue Jays record for the most strikeouts in his first three playoff starts. However, the night was not all smooth sailing. He loaded the bases twice and escaped both jams thanks to some stellar defense. One of those plays was also a 3-6-1 double play that had Yesavage racing to first. Seattle finally broke through in the sixth, when Naylor crushed a solo homer, followed by Randy Arozarena’s single that chased the Jays rookie from the game. With a 3.60 ERA and 22 strikeouts across 15 postseason innings, he has proven that he is for the big stage. Now remains to see if he can create magic in Game 7.