The Championship Series

The 2025 World Series delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in baseball history. The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games, becoming the first team since the 2000 New York Yankees to repeat as champions, and the first National League team to accomplish the feat since the 1976 Cincinnati Reds.

The series, which ran from October 24 to November 1, saw incredible performances on both sides. But it was Game 7 that etched itself into baseball immortality, drawing over 51 million viewers worldwide—the largest audience for an MLB championship since Game 7 of the 1991 World Series.

Game 7: An Instant Classic

Down to their last two outs against a dominant Blue Jays pitching staff, the Dodgers refused to surrender. Miguel Rojas delivered a clutch game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, sending Dodger Stadium into pandemonium and forcing extra innings.

Then came the moment that will be replayed for generations. In the bottom of the 11th inning, catcher Will Smith launched a walk-off home run into the left field pavilion, igniting a celebration that spilled onto the field and into the streets of Los Angeles.

The game is already being discussed as one of the greatest World Series games of all time, joining the ranks of Game 7 in 1991, 2001, and 2016 in the pantheon of legendary championship contests.

Clayton Kershaw's Farewell

Adding to the emotional weight of the championship was Clayton Kershaw's retirement announcement late in the season. The future Hall of Famer ended his legendary career as a contributor to the third championship of his storied tenure with the Dodgers.

Kershaw's career numbers speak for themselves: three Cy Young Awards, an MVP, and now three World Series rings. His departure marks the end of an era in Dodger blue, but his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation is secure.

Betting Analysis & Takeaways

From a handicapping perspective, the 2025 postseason reinforced several key principles. The Dodgers' organizational depth, particularly in pitching, proved invaluable when navigating the October gauntlet. Yamamoto's acquisition and development paid massive dividends at the most critical moments.

The Blue Jays, despite falling short, demonstrated that their investments in starting pitching—including the newly signed Dylan Cease at $210 million—made them legitimate contenders. Their Game 7 loss came down to execution in the clutch, not talent deficiency.

For bettors, the lesson is clear: championship-caliber pitching remains the most valuable asset in October baseball. Teams with multiple aces and deep bullpens consistently outperform their regular-season win totals when it matters most.