Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Leads 2025 World Series Against Blue Jays

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star, is poised to make a significant impact in the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, carrying momentum from his NLCS MVP performance. Despite Ohtani's success, analysts like Nick Wright highlight the Blue Jays' disciplined and contact-oriented offense as a formidable challenge to the Dodgers' power-heavy lineup. Ohtani retained a Blue Jays hat given to him during his free agency period before he signed a $700 million deal with the Dodgers, a detail manager John Schneider joked about ahead of the series. Toronto's manager expressed both respect for Ohtani and a playful demand for the return of the hat and a jacket, highlighting the lingering connection between the player and the Blue Jays. Meanwhile, the World Series has transcended sports, with rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake representing the Dodgers and Blue Jays respectively, fueling a cultural rivalry alongside the baseball competition. Drake's prior support for Ohtani during his free agency, wearing his All-Star jersey, resurfaced amid questions of his loyalty as he rallies for the Jays in the World Series.