Ranking four potential World Series matchups by excitement level

While Wednesday arrived with the Seattle Mariners holding a 2-0 ALCS lead over the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers returning to California with a 2-0 NLCS lead over the Milwaukee Brewers, there is still plenty of baseball to be played before we know exactly which teams will play in the 2025 World Series.

But if the Mariners and Dodgers’ 2-0 lead were to hold, would a Seattle-Los Angeles World Series be one that would excite baseball fans in North America or cause them to turn their full attention to the NFL and other sports?

According to Baseball AlmanacThe 2023 World Series featuring the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers was the least-watched Fall Classic (excluding the 2020 World Series after a shortened season due to COVID-19) since ratings began being tracked in 1973. Just over nine million watched the Rangers top the Diamondbacks, a much lower number than last season’s battle between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees (14.34 million) or the 2022 Matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros (11.78 million).

When it comes to interest level, big names and legendary franchises may be more important to sports fans than storylines. With that in mind, let’s take a look at which of the four potential 2025 World Series matchups might be the most or least popular.

Ranking World Series matchups by excitement level

Important factors taken into account:

• Market size and national following
• Star power and recognizable players
• Storylines (underdog stories, pay gaps)
• Geographic/cultural importance
• Historical significance

4. Seattle vs. Milwaukee

• Why: While both teams have passionate local fan bases, this matchup lacks national star power (aside from those following Cal Raleigh’s quest to win AL Most Valuable Player honors) and broad market appeal. It’s a series for the small versus medium market that would probably have the lowest ratings on national television. Great for fans of these teams, but limited broader appeal (except for one team winning the first-ever World Series).

3. Toronto vs. Milwaukee

• Why: This would be an interesting match between small and international markets. Milwaukee’s sloppy, well-managed organization against Toronto’s Canadian fan base provides intrigue, but lacks the star power you’d get from a game involving the Dodgers. It would have east coast appeal for the Blue Jays, but would it make much difference to fans west of the Mississippi River?

2. Seattle vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

• Why: A West Coast rivalry with the star power of the Dodgers would stoke interest. Seattle has a passionate fan base and represents the underdog story of the Pacific Northwest, with a berth in the 2025 World Series marking the first in franchise history. However, it’s a matchup that feels more regional than national, with no teams outside the Pacific time zone represented.

1. Toronto vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

• Why: Always a national draw with their star power and huge payroll, the Dodgers will draw more interest in Japan thanks to Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Toronto brings an international element and represents all of Canada, creating a unique cross-border rivalry. The contrast between the markets and the Dodgers’ quest to win back-to-back World Series makes this the most compelling matchup.

Simply put, the Dodgers elevate every game they are in because of their name recognition and star-studded roster, which is why they appear in the top two of the rankings.