Jim Williams: 5 reasons the Los Angeles Dodgers will win a second World Series title in 5 years

Before I offer you my five reasons why the Dodgers will triumph over the Yankees in the 2024 Fall Classic, I believe it’s always beneficial to examine a bit of baseball history.

These two teams share a long and storied rivalry, featuring legendary names such as Joe DiMaggio, Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, Reggie Jackson, and Orel Hershiser, among others. 

The New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers have battled in the World Series 11 times, playing a total of 66 games—more than any other two teams in Major League Baseball history. Between 1941 and 1981, a span of 41 years that began when the Dodgers were based in Brooklyn, and the Yankees have largely dominated these encounters, holding an 8-3 advantage, including victories in their first five series.. 

However the last World Series meeting between New York and Los Angeles came in 1981 when the Dodgers won their fifth title in franchise history..But now we are in the 2024 edition of the World Series with the two best teams in the regular season with the biggest stars in the game. 

So, here are my five reasons the Dodgers to win the 2024 World Series in their 12th meeting with the Yankees, and make sure to check out Mark Eckel’s “5 reasons the New York Yankees will win first World Series title since 2009“.

Shohei Ohtani effect:

Baseball’s $700 million player had an impressive first year with the Dodgers, earning a spot on the All-Star team and making history as the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. His milestone achievement included a game with an astounding 10 RBIs, 6 hits, 3 home runs, and 2 stolen bases. I expect him to perform brilliantly on the world stage and have an MVP series. 

Lineup Depth:

The Dodgers boast a more robust lineup than the Yankees. Despite Freddie Freeman’s injury, they can still depend on the star power and depth of players like 29-year-old second baseman Tommy Edman, who has been outstanding in the postseason. Edman, who had a regular season batting average of .237/.294/.417, has been on a hot streak during the playoffs. In 11 games and 47 plate appearances, he has a playoff batting average of .341/.333/.477. Moreover, the Yankees have to face not only Edman and Ohtani but also veteran outfielder Mookie Betts. At 32, Betts had a remarkable regular season and has taken his performance to a higher level in the playoffs. In 11 postseason games, he has a batting average of .295/.404/.659, with four home runs, 12 RBIs, and an impressive walk and strikeout rate of 15.4%.

Bullpen Strength:

No team in baseball has lost more starters than Los Angeles: Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Glasnow, Tony Gonsolin, Gavin Stone, Dustin May, and Emmett Sheehan are all injured and will not play. They will be replaced by Jack Flaherty, Walker Buehler, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. For the Dodgers to win they simply need their starters to go five or six innings then let the bullpen take over. 

The Dodgers boast one of the best bullpens in baseball, which could be pivotal in addressing any pitching challenges they may face. Los Angeles has dominated their opponents offensively throughout most of the postseason.

Their success in reaching the World Series is also due to their bullpen’s impressive 33-inning scoreless streak. Key players include Blake Treinen, Michael Kopech, and Evan Phillips. Although the Dodgers typically forego a traditional closer, Treinen has assumed the role during these playoffs. Kopech has also closed games but took the start in Game 6 of the NLCS as part of a bullpen game. Phillips, who had the most saves in the regular season, now plays a critical role in the middle and late innings. 

Offensive Power:

The Dodgers boast a high-powered offense with a lineup that demonstrates consistent depth beyond their top four hitters. Their 1-9 hitters are superior to those of the Yankees. We’ve previously discussed Ohtani, Betts, and Edman. The team’s depth is further highlighted by contributions from players like Max Muncy, Enrique Hernandez, and Teoscar Hernandez. This collective strength has propelled them to a World Series berth against the Yankees 

Manager:

Dave Roberts has the advantage over the Yankees Aaron Boone. Both men are established winners in the Major Leagues with impressive resumes and World Series rings to prove their worth. However, in 2024 Roberts gets the edge because he has been able to keep winning without his starting rotation as well as daily starters.

As a matter of fact the Dodgers have lost a stunning 2.465 innings missed by their starters which leads the league by far. Yet here we are with Los Angeles not only in the World Series but finishing the season with the most wins.

Bonus item, the Dodger Stadium crowd:

With over 50,000 at full voice can cause some grief to the Yankees when it comes to communication in the outfield. Lastly, with the games starting at 8 p.m. ET which is 5 p.m. locally in Los Angeles there will be shadows that will make hitting a bit more challenging and because of the marine layer that rolls in off the coast the ball won’t carry as far once it gets dark. 

Fox Sports is set to cover the World Series with a broadcast team featuring Joe Davis on play-by-play, John Smoltz as the analyst, and Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci reporting from the dugouts. The pre-game and post-game shows will boast a star-studded panel including Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Alex Rodriguez, and Kevin Burkhardt. 

All games will start at 8:08 p.m. ET and will be available on Fox and the Fox Sports App or if you want stream them use YouTube TV with a seven day free trial.