The 2025 World Series promises to be a historic showdown as the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers take on the Toronto Blue Jays in a best-of-seven series beginning Friday, October 24, 2025. For the first time, these two teams will meet for the title, pitting the Dodgers’ powerhouse lineup against the Blue Jays’ high-flying offense and gritty postseason performers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the series having swept the Milwaukee Brewers to capture the National League pennant, earning five full days of rest before the championship begins. They are aiming to become the first team in 25 years to repeat as World Series champions, with Shohei Ohtani standing out as a key player to watch.

The Toronto Blue Jays return to the World Series for the first time since 1993, when they won their second consecutive championship. They clinched the American League pennant after a thrilling seven-game series against the Seattle Mariners, showcasing a mix of veteran talent and emerging stars. Toronto’s roster includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., whose power bat is expected to be central in the series.

All games will air on FOX, starting at 8 p.m. ET. The schedule features two games in Toronto, followed by three in Los Angeles, with the final two games returning to Rogers Centre if necessary:

• Game 1: Friday, October 24, at Rogers Centre, Toronto
• Game 2: Saturday, October 25, at Rogers Centre, Toronto
• Game 3: Monday, October 27, at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
• Game 4: Tuesday, October 28, at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
• Game 5: Wednesday, October 29, at Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles (if necessary)
• Game 6: Friday, October 31, at Rogers Centre, Toronto (if necessary)
• Game 7: Saturday, November 1, at Rogers Centre, Toronto (if necessary)

New Jersey Connections Add Local Flavor

Several members of the Toronto Blue Jays roster have strong New Jersey ties, bringing a hometown angle to this World Series matchup.

• Buddy Kennedy, an infielder from Millville, excelled as a multi-sport athlete at Millville High School.
• Joey Loperfido, an outfielder from Haddonfield, played alongside teammate Davis Schneider at Haddonfield Memorial High.
• Davis Schneider, also an outfielder, hails from Voorhees Township and starred at Eastern Regional High School before being drafted by Toronto.

While the Dodgers do not have any players with New Jersey roots, the state has a rich minor league baseball history, hosting teams that are affiliates of Major League organizations. The Somerset Patriots were a Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, the Jersey Shore BlueClaws serve as a High-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Trenton Thunder participates in the MLB Draft League, showcasing up-and-coming talent.

Lawrence Native John Schneider Leads Blue Jays

Adding to New Jersey’s prominence in the 2025 season, John Schneider, a Lawrence native, has guided the Blue Jays to the World Series. A former standout pitcher and catcher at Lawrence High School, Schneider played at the University of Delaware before being drafted by Toronto in 2002. Concussions shortened his playing career, but he transitioned into coaching and climbed the Blue Jays’ organizational ladder, ultimately becoming bench coach in 2019 and interim manager in 2022.

Schneider was named permanent manager following the 2022 season. After guiding Toronto to a playoff berth in 2023 and enduring a last-place finish in 2024, he orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in 2025, leading the Blue Jays to a 94-68 record, the top seed in the American League, and a dramatic seven-game series victory over the Mariners to clinch the pennant.

The postseason featured unforgettable moments, including George Springer’s three-run homer in the seventh inning of Game 7 and Jeff Hoffman’s strikeout of the side in the ninth, sending Toronto to the World Series. Schneider’s leadership has highlighted the depth of New Jersey talent impacting the national baseball scene.

Key Storylines to Watch

• Ohtani vs. Guerrero Jr.: The clash of two superstar hitters could decide the series.
• Chasing History: The Dodgers aim to become the first repeat champions in 25 years.
• Toronto’s Return: The Blue Jays bring postseason excitement to Canada for the first time in 32 years.

New Jersey fans will be especially tuned in to the Blue Jays’ roster and managerial connections, proud to see local talent represented on baseball’s biggest stage. As the 2025 World Series unfolds, the series is shaping up to be a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and hometown pride.

For more on New Jersey’s connections to Major League Baseball, minor league teams, and baseball events across the state, visit Explore New Jersey’s Baseball section.

The Dodgers versus Blue Jays matchup promises to be a classic, with New Jersey natives in the spotlight and fans across the state watching every pitch of this historic showdown.