The 2024 World Series will pit two of baseball’s most iconic franchises against each other — the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
This storied rivalry is getting a long-awaited revival, marking their first meeting in the WS in over 40 years. Historically, the Yankees have dominated their matchups, boasting an 8-3 record in the 11 previous series. But the Dodgers are on their fourth World Series trip since 2017, and with that, they’re carrying a bit more experience with them.
With two high-profile teams coming together on the world stage, we expect a dramatic, tightly contested series that even fans of other teams will love.
One immediate advantage the Dodgers bring to this matchup is home-field. Of course, they’ve earned this by having a better regular season record. They finished 2024 with a 98-64 mark, compared to the Yankees’ 94-68.
Game 1: Kicks off in Los Angeles on Friday, October 25. Time TBD.
Game 2: The series continues in LA on Saturday, October 26. Time TBD.
Game 3: The action shifts to New York on Monday, October 28. Time TBD.
Game 4: Another showdown in New York on Tuesday, October 29. Time TBD.
Game 5: If necessary, New York hosts again on Wednesday, October 30. Time TBD.
Game 6: Back to Los Angeles for Friday, November 1, pending the outcome of the previous games. Time TBD.
Game 7: If it goes the distance, the final game is scheduled for Saturday, November 2, in Los Angeles. Time TBD.
Though home-field might seem like a big deal, the Yankees are no strangers to winning in hostile territory. Throughout their postseason run, they’ve already proven they can handle the pressure, taking care of Cleveland in five games in the ALCS.
Dodger Stadium might be loud, but the Yankees have shown they can win on the road all year.
One of the best storylines heading into this series is the battle of the starting pitchers.
Both clubs boast smoking hot rotations, but it’s the Yankees who we think just might have the edge in this category, at least on paper.
Gerrit Cole. The Yankees’ ace has had a solid postseason so far. He’s posted a 3.31 ERA across 16.1 innings. Though he hasn’t replicated his Cy Young-winning form of 2023, Cole remains the Yankees’ go-to guy and it’s easy to see why. With pinpoint control and the ability to overpower batters, he’s still dominant on the mound. He will likely take the mound for Game 1, setting the tone for the series and trying to capture the early lead on the road.
Carlos Rodon. Rodon has been steady for the Yankees. He’s recorded a 4.40 ERA in 14.1 playoff innings. His regular-season ERA of 3.96 might not blow anyone away, but Rodon has been known to rise to the occasion.
Clarke Schmidt. Schmidt has been one of the Yankees' breakout stars this year, with a 2.85 regular-season ERA. He has carried that dominance into the playoffs, where he’s been fairly reliable. While he might not start Games 1 or 2, Schmidt’s role as a third or fourth starter could be a game-changer, especially in a seven-game series.
Walker Buehler. Buehler has had an up-and-down season, to put it mildly. After posting a regular-season ERA of 5.38, he’s looked shaky in the playoffs as well. However, his recent four-inning gem against the Mets might mean he’s coming around at just the right time. If Buehler can regain his ace-like stuff, the Dodgers’ rotation suddenly looks much more dangerous. We’re expecting him to get the nod for Game 1.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers’ midseason acquisition, Yamamoto, has been one of their most consistent arms in the rotation. He has a 3.00 ERA in the regular season and flashes of brilliance in the playoffs. While he’s had some bumps along the way, his 5.11 postseason ERA means he can still get outs when it matters.
Jack Flaherty. Another mid-season pickup is Jack Flaherty, who has been pretty decent, if not spectacular. His 3.17 ERA in the regular season was solid, but his postseason ERA of 7.04 raises some concerns for us. He’s capable of a shutdown performance, but the Yankees’ deep lineup will likely challenge him in a critical Game 3 or Game 4 which is when we think he’ll start.
Overall, the Yankees appear to have a deeper rotation. The Dodgers, however, are more than capable of winning any game when their starters are on. A lot will hinge on the health and command of these top arms, particularly with both teams having such powerful offenses.
Speaking of offense, both lineups are loaded with talent. This includes the two likely MVP winners: Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) and Aaron Judge (Yankees). Ohtani and Judge are headline attractions, and both are capable of changing the series with a single swing. These are the two that millions of viewers will be closely watching as they step up to the plate.
Aaron Judge. Judge has carried the Yankees' offense all year. Though he hasn’t been at his absolute best this postseason, he’s always a threat to break out and go yard. If the Yankees are going to win, they'll need Judge to get hot at the plate. His power can change games, especially in a stadium like Dodger Stadium that’s historically kind to right-handed sluggers.
Shohei Ohtani: For the Dodgers, Ohtani is the ultimate threat. Whether it’s a mammoth home run or dominating the basepaths, he’s capable of doing it all. The founder of the 50/50 club will be the biggest threat to the Bronx Bombers and they’ll have their hands full trying to contain him.
Beyond these two stars, both lineups have even more depth. The Yankees rely on a combination of veterans and rising stars with Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto, while the Dodgers have a deep, versatile lineup that includes Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts, two of the most consistent hitters in the game. Expect plenty of fireworks from both sides.
These teams met earlier in 2024 during a three-game set at Yankee Stadium.
The Dodgers won two of the three games, outscoring the Yankees 17-10 in total. However, as any baseball fan knows, the regular season and the playoffs are two completely different beasts. There have been plenty of changes and loads of development between then and now.
That June series saw the Dodgers win with an 11-3 blowout, but the Yankees can take some comfort in knowing that they were competitive in two out of the three games.
Both teams have evolved since then, and with a championship on the line, we expect the intensity to be off the charts.
As of now, the Dodgers are favored to win the series, with opening odds at -135. The Yankees come in as slight underdogs at +115. But in a series like this, odds can swing quickly.
The Yankees are chasing their 28th World Series title and their first since 2009, while the Dodgers are aiming for their 8th. As we mentioned, these are both some storied clubhouses.
In the end, this series will likely come down to execution in high-leverage situations. Whether it’s a clutch hit by Soto or a timely strikeout by Flaherty, the team that performs better under intense post-season pressure will come out on top.
With the first pitch set for Friday, October 25, buckle up for what should be an unforgettable World Series between two of baseball’s greatest franchises.
There’s no doubt that this series will be a close one. Both teams are hungry and looking to make a statement. However, only one team can win it all.
Our prediction for the Dodgers vs. Yankees World Series is the Dodgers will win in 7 games.
Sure, the Yankees have the star power, but we think the consistency that the Dodgers bring to the table might just be enough to overtake the Yankees in a full series.