Dodgers vs Blue Jays Prediction, Betting Odds, and Best Bet for Game 1 of the World Series

The 2025 World Series finally kicks off tomorrow night as the Los Angeles Dodgers head north of the border to take on the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 1 at Rogers Center. The Dodgers are looking to grab their second title back-to-back. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are trying to end a crazy 32-year drought. With both teams loaded with plenty of star power and playing some of their best baseball of their careers, Game 1 will undoubtedly deliver fireworks.

The bookmakers are coming out hot with the Dodgers as -157 favorites, while the Blue Jays are home underdogs at +129. The total is set at 7.5 runs, reflecting two capable lineups with some pitching questions — at least on one side of the diamond.

Game 1 Starters — Snell vs Yesavage

For Los Angeles, it’s Blake Snell that will take the bump. That alone makes them favorites. He’s arguably been the best pitcher in the 2025 postseason with his 3-0, 0.86 ERA, 28 Ks in 21 innings, and a ridiculous 0.52 WHIP. He’s been so dominant that opposing hitters have just 6 hits off him all October. That’s not a typo, and there’s no guessing here — if Snell brings his usual stuff, he’s capable of shutting down any lineup in baseball.

Toronto is countering with Trey Yesavage, a 22-year-old rookie with a power arm and plenty of upside to go with it. But this is a tall order for any pitcher. Yesavage has had an uneven postseason. In just 15 innings across 3 starts, he’s allowed 7 earned runs, walked 7, and struck out 22. His ERA sits at 4.20, and his most recent outing, where he threw 5.2 innings of 2-run ball against Seattle, was solid, but hardly dominant. There is a lot on the line for this rookie.

Without a doubt, he’s flashed some serious potential, especially in his 5.1 scoreless innings against the Yankees to open the playoffs, but the inconsistency, particularly his command, could be dangerous against a Dodgers lineup that leads the league in drawing walks.

This is a classic case of postseason experience vs raw potential. Yesavage can throw, and we’re not questioning that, but he’s facing a lineup full of disciplined, power-hitting veterans in the biggest game of his young career.

Offense Comparison — Power vs Production

Let’s not downplay what Toronto’s done at the plate this postseason.

They’ve been the best-hitting team in October, leading all playoff squads in batting average (.296), OPS (.878), and home runs with 20. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is on absolute fire as he’s crushing .442 with 6 dingers and 12 RBIs. On top of that, George Springer has added 4 HRs of his own, including the game-winner in the ALCS. This offense is clicking at the right time.

But the Dodgers, while not as flashy on the stat sheet when it comes to batting, remain lethal. They’ve posted a .256 AVG with 13 HRs and a .770 OPS in the postseason. Shohei Ohtani already has 5 homers this October, despite starting off slow, including a 3-HR performance against Milwaukee. Teoscar Hernández is also contributing, with 11 RBIs and 4 yard bombs. Don’t sleep on Mookie Betts or Freddie Freeman either, because this team is stacked from top to bottom, and at any time, anyone’s bats can light up.

During the regular season, the Dodgers had the edge in runs with 825 compared to 798, home runs with 244 compared to 191, and a slugging percentage of .441 compared to .427. Toronto hit for average, but L.A. hit with impact. That can make all the difference.

Pitching and Bullpen Edge

The biggest gap in this Game 1 matchup is the depth and reliability of the pitching staffs. The Dodgers had better numbers across the board during the regular season. Their ERA of 3.95, WHIP of 1.26, 1,505 strikeouts, and OBA of .232 just go to show that their bullpen is battle-tested and built for October.

Toronto, on the other hand, had a 4.19 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP, with more home runs allowed and fewer strikeouts. The Jays’ pitching hasn’t been all that bad in the playoffs, but it’s leaned heavily on the offense to create breathing room and get them to the World Series. And that’s not something you can afford against a team that capitalizes on mistakes like the Boys in Blue.

It’s worth noting that while Yesavage has held his own, he hasn’t gone deep into games — not once hitting the 6-inning mark this postseason. That likely means the bullpen will need to cover 3-4 innings in the first game, which adds pressure on a staff that has shown cracks late in games.

Who Has the Edge in Game 1?

This game feels like a textbook setup for the Dodgers to strike first and take the early lead in the series.

They have the proven ace in Snell. They have the deeper lineup, and they’ve been here before — not all that long ago. The Blue Jays are playing inspired baseball and hitting as well as anyone, but a rookie starter with walk issues facing a patient, dangerous Dodgers team? That’s a mismatch — especially when the other dugout is throwing the most dominant pitcher in the playoffs.

Toronto’s best shot is to score early and get Snell out before the 6th inning. But so far this October, no one’s been able to do that. If Guerrero and Springer don’t go deep early, Yesavage could be playing catch-up by the 3rd inning, and we know how the rest of the story goes.

• Prediction: Dodgers 6, Blue Jays 3
• Best Bet: Dodgers on the Moneyline at -157

It’s chalk, but it’s on the right side. The Dodgers have the better arm on the bump, the more complete offense, and undoubtedly the bullpen advantage. Yesavage has a bright future, and we can’t wait to see how his career pans out, but he’s walking into a meat grinder. Take L.A. to win Game 1 straight up — don’t overthink it.