The World Series is here. The odds are set, and we've got an all-time awesome matchup on tap between the Dodgers and Yankees.
It's been a dominant playoffs for the Bronx Bombers, who've lost just two games as they crushed the Guardians and Royals with heavy offense and quality pitching. The Dodgers powered through the Padres and Mets thanks to some Shohei Ohtani heroics and quality innings from their bullpen.
But now the final dance is here, so let's dive into this full Yankees vs Dodgers World Series preview.
New York Yankees vs Los Angeles Dodgers Series Winner Odds
Odds as of Oct. 21 at FanDuel
A tight line was expected, but I'm still shocked to see the Yankees as slight 'dogs. Los Angeles is dominant, but New York has a better pitching staff and has multiple red-hot hitters in Juan Soto and Giancarlo Stanton.
Yankees vs Dodgers World Series Schedule
Yankees vs Dodgers Series Total Games Odds
Odds as of Oct. 21 at BetMGM
Yankees vs Dodgers Series Prediction Odds
Odds as of Oct. 21 at FanDuel
Yankees vs Dodgers Betting History
There isn't a lot to extrapolate from this limited data sample, but the Dodgers got the better of New York, and two of three regular-season games went OVER during this early June series.
One crazy trend to note: the Dodgers own a 9-1-1 O/U/P record in this postseason, so I'd watch for some OVERs to hit in the World Series, especially with both offenses hitting their full potential right now.
Yankees Player to Watch: Giancarlo Stanton
Stanton has been an animal in this postseason, crushing five homers and driving in 11 runs, earning him the ALCS MVP honors. The big man has been dialed in with every cut, and he has just seven strikeouts to five walks, which is quite abnormal for him. With Juan Soto also hitting very well, Stanton's performance has more than made up for a Judge postseason slump.
The Yankees DH will be one to watch during this World Series.
Los Angeles Dodgers Player to Watch: Tommy Edman
Ohtani put forth a majestic effort in this past series but lost out on the NLCS MVP to Edman, whose electric performance got him the award. Edman batted .407 in the series with one homer and 11 RBIs, earning him the nod.
While Ohtani and Betts will be dangerous, watch for Edman to sneakily take over this series. His contact upside gives pitchers nightmares, and if he continues to rip for extra-base power, he'll be a big factor in this World Series.
Expert Prediction: Yankees to Win Series (+105)
I love New York's chances, especially with a plus-money outlook. The Bronx Bombers offense has never looked better, and the club's pitching staff (at least the starters) holds a heavy talent edge over the Dodgers' arms.
We'll see if the Yanks show up in a big spot, but ahead of Game 1, I'm rocking with the Yankees.