The 2025 World Series kicks off tonight at Rogers Centre in Toronto, bringing a thrilling matchup between the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays, who are making their first appearance in the Fall Classic since 1993. This series not only promises to be a clash of two powerhouses, but it also features the possibility of a repeat championship for the Dodgers, something no team has accomplished since the Yankees in 2000.

Game 1 will start at 8:00 PM ET, with the Dodgers sending left-handed pitcher Blake Snell to the mound. Despite a somewhat injury-riddled regular season, Snell has been nearly untouchable in the postseason, posting an outstanding 0.86 ERA through three starts. His experience and postseason pedigree have been invaluable for the Dodgers, who are aiming for their second consecutive championship.

On the other side, the Blue Jays will hand the ball to 22-year-old rookie Trey Yesavage. The young pitcher is making history tonight, becoming the second-youngest player in MLB history to start a Game 1 of the World Series. Yesavage has taken the postseason by storm, most notably delivering a no-hit performance during the AL Division Series. His poise on the mound has impressed many, and he's looking to become a key figure in the Blue Jays' attempt to capture their first title since their back-to-back championships in the early 90s.

While pitching may dominate the headlines, both teams are packed with explosive offensive talent. The Dodgers’ lineup is led by perennial All-Stars like Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith, who have all contributed significantly in the postseason. However, the Dodgers have struggled with runners in scoring position during the playoffs, hitting just .211 with clutch opportunities. This is a concern, as they will need to capitalize on their chances to outlast the powerful Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays, conversely, have been excellent in clutch situations this postseason. They lead the league with a .286 batting average in high-pressure moments, fueled by players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer. These three have been vital in driving the Blue Jays' success, with Guerrero Jr. continuing to show why he's considered one of the most dangerous hitters in the game.

Fans are expecting an electric atmosphere tonight in Toronto, with the city ready to welcome back the World Series after more than three decades. The Dodgers and Blue Jays are both deep, talented teams with storied histories, and each has its own unique path to the Fall Classic. The Dodgers have been dominant for years, reaching the postseason nearly every season, while the Blue Jays' return to the World Series is the culmination of years of rebuilding and development.

As the game approaches, all eyes will be on Blake Snell’s performance, especially after his stellar postseason showing. Can the young and talented Trey Yesavage handle the pressure of the World Series stage in just his first full season? And how will the Blue Jays’ offense fare against a top-tier Dodgers pitching staff?

Fans can tune in for Game 1 on FOX or stream it through various services, including the FOX Sports app, MLB.TV, or YouTube TV. Other platforms like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and fuboTV also offer the game, many with free trial options for new users.

With high expectations, fierce competition, and a storybook showdown between two powerhouse teams, the 2025 World Series is shaping up to be one for the ages.

Sources: Reuters, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sportsnet, Associated Press