Members of our baseball team, Ben Oddis, Kaden Reese, and Ryan Reese break down all of the elements of the 2024 World Series
What is the No. 1 factor that has carried the Yankees to the World Series?
Ben: Throughout the playoffs, the Yankees’ offense has been outstanding. They’ve outscored opponents 43-32 this October, with clutch hitting coming up big throughout the NLCS. Juan Soto’s go-ahead, three-run homer to send the Yankees to the World Series was a standout moment. In 2024, New York ranked in the top five in slugging percentage, on-base percentage, and OPS. The pitching staff has also been surprisingly impressive this postseason.
Ryan: The Yankees have a strong offense with hitters who have performed well in this year’s playoffs. Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto have carried the lineup, making it tough for other teams. An easier schedule helped them reach the World Series, allowing them to gain confidence and capitalize on facing weaker pitchers. With this powerful offense and a smooth path to the championship, the Yankees are ready to make a big impact against the Dodgers.
Why will — or won’t — it continue against the Dodgers?
Ben: The Yankees’ offense is hard to stop, especially given the Dodgers’ subpar pitching performance this postseason. I believe the Yankees will continue to score, relying on their pitching to shut down a strong Dodgers offense. With injuries to Dodgers pitchers like Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Brusdar Graterol, the Yankees have an advantage.
Kaden: The Yankees’ offense is powerful and tough to pitch to, but they may struggle against stronger pitching than they’ve faced so far. However, with the Dodgers’ injuries, such as Kershaw and Glasnow, the Yankees’ offense has a better chance to win the series.
Ryan: The Yankees’ offense is nearly unstoppable, with several players capable of striking at any moment. If they can capitalize on the Dodgers’ injured pitching staff and keep their bats hot, the Yankees should have no problem winning the World Series.
What should we expect from Aaron Judge in the World Series?
Ben: Judge has struggled this postseason, with only two hits across nine games. However, after winning the AL MVP with a .322 average and 60 homers, I believe this is the series where he breaks through. The Yankees need him to perform at his best against a tough team like L.A. Expect MVP-level Judge to show up in the World Series.
Kaden: Although Judge started slow, I believe he’ll help the team in a big way. His teammates want this for him as much as he does. He’s started to heat up against the Guardians, and I think it’s his time to rise.
Ryan: We should expect big results from Judge. While Stanton and Soto have been the hot hitters, this series is crucial for Judge. He’s stepped up in key moments this postseason, and he’ll need to stay consistent for the Yankees to win it all.
Which other player is most crucial to the Yankees’ chances in this series?
Ben: Juan Soto’s hot bat is crucial for the Yankees. He’s been one of the best players this postseason, with a .333 average and three home runs. If the Yankees’ offense continues to score, their pitchers can control the game’s tempo.
Kaden: Juan Soto is vital for the Yankees, with his .333 postseason average, six runs, and eight RBIs. If Soto stays hot and Judge heats up, the Yankees have a strong chance of winning the World Series.
Ryan: Aside from Judge, Giancarlo Stanton is key. Stanton has been red-hot, coming up huge in critical moments. With his success at Dodger Stadium, he could be crucial to the Yankees’ World Series win.
Los Angeles Dodgers
What is the No. 1 factor that has carried the Dodgers to the World Series?
Ben: The Dodgers’ bats have been hot this October, with multiple players hitting around .300. Mookie Betts has led the way in OPS, home runs, and hits.
Kaden: The Dodgers’ aggressive offensive approach has forced pitchers to work around them. Despite injuries, their lineup’s strength, including contributions from players like Tommy Edman and Enrique Hernandez, has powered their run to the World Series.
Ryan: The Dodgers’ deep lineup has performed well. Edman, in particular, stepped up as NLCS MVP and will play a big role in the Dodgers’ World Series chances.
Why will — or won’t — it continue against the Yankees?
Ben: The Yankees’ pitching staff has been outstanding this postseason, winning seven of nine games. This will be the toughest challenge the Dodgers have faced. Freeman, Ohtani, and Betts must come through if L.A. wants a chance to win.
Kaden: I think the Dodgers’ pitching will struggle against the Yankees’ strong offense. Injuries to Kershaw, Glasnow, and Freeman’s possible absence give the Yankees an advantage.
Ryan: The Dodgers’ weakened pitching staff could give the Yankees an edge. The Dodgers’ lineup needs to stay hot, as they struggle when they don’t score many runs.
What should we expect from Shohei Ohtani in the World Series?
Ben: Ohtani had a historic regular season, becoming the first player with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases. He’s played well this postseason, and I expect him and Betts to lead the Dodgers’ offense.
Kaden: Ohtani has shown mixed results this postseason, but with his MVP-caliber talent, now is the time for him to step up and prove himself.
Ryan: Expectations are high for Ohtani, one of MLB’s best players. I believe he’ll come through and play a significant role for the Dodgers in this series.
Which other player is most crucial to the Dodgers’ chances in this series?
Ben: Ohtani, Betts, and Freeman will have the biggest impact on the Dodgers’ success. Betts has been phenomenal and could easily win World Series MVP, while Freeman’s World Series experience will be valuable.
Kaden: Mookie Betts is crucial for the Dodgers. He has 10 runs, 13 hits, and a .295 postseason average. If Betts stays sharp, the Dodgers will have a better chance against the Yankees’ offense.
Ryan: Mookie Betts needs to be consistent. With Freeman and key pitchers out, Betts will play an essential role for the Dodgers to win the 2024 World Series.