Morning Briefing: 2025 World Series Begins

The 2025 World Series begins today and will feature the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers facing off against the Toronto Blue Jays, who will make their first appearance since 1993. The Dodgers reached the series by sweeping the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS, marking their 23rd trip to the Fall Classic and aiming to be the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Yankees in 1999-2000.

The Blue Jays advanced after a thrilling seven-game ALCS victory over the Seattle Mariners, led by George Springer’s late-game heroics. Toronto has home-field advantage, finishing one game better than Los Angeles, with the series set to start at Rogers Centre.

Historically, the Dodgers lead the all-time series against the Blue Jays 19-11, while Toronto has won both of its previous World Series, including the memorable 1993 walk-off by Joe Carter.

Key storylines include whether the Blue Jays can contain Shohei Ohtani, who recently hit three home runs in one game, and if the Dodgers’ pitching staff can cool off Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is excelling this postseason. The Blue Jays will also need to score against a Dodgers rotation boasting a 1.40 ERA in ten playoff starts.

Now onto the morning briefing!

Latest Mets News

Will Sammon of The Athletic reports that Mets pitching prospect Christian Scott is nearing the end of his rehab process and has made key improvements along the way. Scott’s progress could make him a significant factor in the Mets’ pitching plans for 2025.

Us Weekly reports that former Mets star Darryl Strawberry shared positive news on his wife Tracy’s recovery from battling cancer. The Mets Hall of Famer noted that she’s going back home after multiple surgeries.

The New York Mets congratulated Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, and Edwin Díaz for being named to the Sporting News NL All-Star Team, recognizing their standout 2025 seasons.

Latest MLB News

MLB announced its 2025 World Series correspondents, which feature Lawrence Butler, Vinnie Pasquantino, and Junior Caminero. All three will take over MLB and MLB Español’s social channels for behind-the-scenes coverage throughout the Fall Classic.

Sarah Langs of MLB.com notes that 22-year-old Trey Yesavage will be the second-youngest Game 1 starting pitcher in World Series history, older only than 1947’s Ralph Branca.

The Milwaukee Brewers promoted Matt Arnold to President of Baseball Operations and General Manager, continuing his oversight of baseball operations, a role he’s held since 2022.

Francys Romero of FR Sports reports that Japanese stars Kazuma Okamoto and Tatsuya Imai have signed with Scott Boras and the Boras Corporation. The Seibu Lions have yet to decide whether Imai will be posted this offseason.

Yakyu Cosmopolitan’s report notes that Rintaro Sasaki was surprisingly selected by both SoftBank and DeNA in the first round of the NPB Draft, with SoftBank winning the rights. Sasaki, currently at Stanford, can still choose to enter the MLB Draft next year or join SoftBank next summer.

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that reliever Alex Vesia is away from the team as he and his wife, Kayla, navigate a personal family matter, putting his World Series availability in doubt. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the club is preparing to adjust the roster if necessary.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the Rays have made several front office promotions: Hamilton Marx to Vice President/Assistant GM, Samantha Bireley to Director of Baseball Operations, Jeremy Sowers to Director of Major League Operations, and Danielle Dockx to Director of Position Player Programming.

Latest on MMO

David Melendi gives his 2025 report card on OF-DH Starling Marte.

On This Date in Mets History

2000: The Mets won Game 3 of the Subway Series at Shea Stadium, ending the Yankees’ 14-game World Series winning streak. Robin Ventura’s early home run sparked the Mets against Orlando “El Duque” Hernández, who struck out 14 batters but couldn’t stifle the Mets’ rally. In the eighth inning, Todd Zeile hit a single, which was followed by Benny Agbayani’s go-ahead double. Bubba Trammell‘s sacrifice fly then made the score 4–2. Armando Benitez closed out the game, working around a leadoff single to retire the next three batters and secure the Mets’ only victory in the 2000 Fall Classic.

Born On This Date: Omar Quintanilla (1981), Mike Matthews (1973), Junior Ortiz (1959), Ron Gardenhire (1957)