From top to bottom, their lineup and rotation is built for October baseball. These are the key Dodgers players Toronto should pay close attention to in the 2025 World Series.
Shohei Ohtani
Shohei Ohtani is not a player to take lightly; Fans all over the world know that. Simply put, he crushes the baseball and hits it harder and further than anyone else. This season, Ohtani launched 55 home runs and has added another six this postseason, including last night against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The two-way superstar also starts for the Dodgers, making it extremely difficult to pitch to the top of the lineup. Ohtani covers almost every part of the offensive zone, leaving little room for error. His clutch hitting and elite run control make him a constant threat. Ohtani should be treated with the same caution as Aaron Judge or Cal Raleigh. The challenge is that pitching around him only sets the table for other Dodgers stars like Mookie Betts, Will Smith and Freddie Freeman.
While he’s not producing at the top levels fans have come to expect during the regular season (.222/.340/.667), he proved last night that he can change the momentum in a game with just one swing of the bat.
Ohtani has also contributed on the mound this postseason. He serves as the fourth starter for the Dodgers and has thrown 12 innings over two starts with a 2.25 ERA. His deep repertoire and speedy arsenal give the Dodgers another dangerous weapon.
Teoscar Hernández
Former Blue Jay Teoscar Hernández returns to a ballpark and batter’s box he knows well. Hernández is now a key part of the Dodgers’ lineup, typically slotting in at the fifth or sixth spot and playing a major role in their postseason run.
Hernández’s aggressive approach, strong plate coverage and excellent pitch recognition make him a serious threat, especially with runners on base. During the regular season, he had 126 hits, 25 home runs and 89 RBIs.
He continued that success in October, posting 11 RBIs, 11 hits, four home runs and a .268 batting average so far this postseason. With his ability to hit the ball hard and far, and his familiarity with the Rogers Center ballpark, Hernández is a bat the Jays’ pitching staff will have to keep quiet.
Teoscar Hernandez received a loud ovation in Toronto 👏 📺: FOX
Roki Sasaki
When the Blue Jays fall behind in the ninth inning, they have to deal with Roki Sasaki. Fans may remember the Japanese product all too well from last season when he decided to sign with the Dodgers instead of the Jays.
Sasaki relies on a four-seam fastball of 96-97 mph, complemented by a sharp splitter and slider that serve as putaways. While not overpowering, his ability to generate weak contact makes him a dangerous arm in the late inning.
PRESENTED BY VIVID CHAIRS
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