Are We Headed for a World Series Showdown Between Yankees and Dodgers?

By Guest
Updated: July 24, 2019

It’s incredible to think about how much MLB history is tied up in two organizations. For over 100 years, the New York Yankees have been a dominant force. Not far behind them is the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers. The Yankees have won the World Series 25 times, more than 20% of the World Series titles ever earned. The Dodgers have won 6 titles with 12 National League titles that did not bear fruit.

With both teams on what would seem to be a collision course, this is a great opportunity to peek into the future and handicap each team’s prospects for another MLB title. This is not something that can be with a betting odds calculator or any other prognostication tool. This is a raw attempt to see if there’s value with placing a bet on either team in the future book.

Throughout the years, Major League Baseball’s two most popular and dominant teams have met in the world series on 11 occasions with the Yankees leading the way with 8 wins against 3 losses. The last time these two teams faced off for the title was in 1981 with the Dodgers taking the series 4-2 behind Hall of Fame Manager Tommy Lasorda.

As the 2019 season heads into the dog days of summer, both the Yankees (64-34) and the Dodgers (67-35) are leading their respective divisions with the best record in their respective leagues. Barring a rash of injuries or a total collapse, both teams are heavy favorites to win their leagues and square off in the World Series for the 12th time and the first time in 28 years.

The Yankees would seem to be at a bit of a disadvantage with the defending World Series Champ Boston Red Sox in close pursuit. With the trading deadline fast approaching, the disposition on these two teams could turn on a dime. The Yankees are also facing injury concerns. Slugging outfielder Giancarlo Stanton is on the DL yet again, having played a total of 9 games all year. Pitching staff ace Luis Severino has yet to play a game this year, though team officials are hopeful he’ll be ready to go before the playoffs. Regardless of injuries, this offense is loaded. One more starter at the trading deadline might swing things in this direction.

The Dodgers have no injuries of consequence. On the season, OF Cody Bellinger has been an absolute terror, currently sitting in position for a run at the Triple Crown. The supporting cast is simply thumping the ball. The pitching staff has dual personalities. The starting staff has the best ERA in the league by far, led by Hyun-jin Ryu (1.76) and Clayton Kershaw (2.84). In the bullpen, the collective staff has an ERA of over 4.00. That’s a problem against the better teams late in the game. Look for the Dodgers to trade for a strong reliever.Prediction: Instinctively, it feels like the Dodgers are headed for the team’s 3^rd straight loss in the World Series. The National League is a bit weak and the Yankees are already battle tested against the best in the American League.