Now that we know it will be the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees squaring off in the 2024 World Series, it’s time to look into the crystal ball and make some predictions about what could happen in this year’s Fall Classic.
With stars inside both dugouts, there is no doubt that this matchup is exactly the one that MLB wanted when the season began. But which of those superstars will earn World Series MVP and which team will take home the title? Let’s dive into those questions and more with these five bold predictions.
1. Gleyber Torres will continue to be the X-factor for the Yankees
While Aaron Judge, Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton have been grabbing the headlines, Torres has put together a solid postseason. The Yankees second baseman has reached base safely in each of his 12 postseason games and has reached safely in New York’s first plate appearance of the game in eight of the Yankees’ nine postseason games in 2024. By the way, his 12-game on-base streak is tied for second in New York postseason history, only behind Derek Jeter (21 games spanning 2007-2010).
2. Enrique Hernandez will be the X-factor for the Dodgers
Like the Yankees, the Los Angeles lineup is littered with superstars and former MVPs. Hernandez, however, will be a thorn in the side for the Yankees, just like he has been for the San Diego Padres and New York Mets this postseason. He’s hitting .303 (10-for-33) this postseason, with all 10 hits being singles. For an extra bold prediction, expect Hernandez to have a home run against the Yankees in a late-game situation.
3. Juan Soto will join some elite World Series company
Soto is known for drawing walks and has seven in nine postseason games already this October. In what will be a seven-game series (more about that in a moment), Soto will draw 10 walks, becoming just the fifth player in MLB history to draw double-digit walks during a World Series. Barry Bonds, by the way, had 13 in the 2002 World Series to lead all MLB players.
4. Mookie Betts will be named World Series Most Valuable Player
While Shohei Ohtani may be the betting favorite for World Series MVP according to the latest odds from BetMGM (and for good reason), take Betts as the difference-maker for this Fall Classic. He slashed .346/.452/.731 in 31 plate appearances during the National League Championship Series, and he will keep that hot streak going.
In 54 previous World Series plate appearances (2018 with the Boston Red Sox and 2020 with the Dodgers), Betts slashed .245/.315/.490, with three of his 12 hits being home runs. That power will show itself again in this World Series.
5. The Dodgers win the World Series in seven games
Home-field advantage will make the difference in this World Series, with Los Angeles claiming the Fall Classic in front of its home fans in what will be a tense Game 7.
Expect the Dodgers to split the first two games, then win two of three in the Bronx to set up what will be some high drama in the final two matchups at Chavez Ravine.