When Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the 2025 World SeriesLos Angeles, California on October 24, 2025, the baseball world saw a potential back‑to‑back championship that could cement a new dynasty. Across the river, the New York Yankees marked yet another year in a 16‑year title drought, sparking fresh criticism of front‑office leader Brian Cashman, Senior Advisor to the General Manager and Yankees for the decisions made during the 2025 season.
Historical Rivalry: From the ’70s to Today
The Dodgers‑Yankees rivalry stretches back decades, with 25 World Series match‑ups that have swung like a pendulum. While the Yankees hold a slim series edge (13‑12), the modern era tells a different story. The 1978 pennant chase, featuring Bucky Dent’s iconic home run, still looms large, yet the last time the Yankees topped Los Angeles in a World Series was 2009, the year they lifted the trophy on a parade down New York’s Canyon of Heroes.
2024 World Series Recap: A Near‑Even Battle
Last fall, the Dodgers edged the Yankees in five games despite the run total being almost identical—25 runs for Los Angeles versus 24 for New York. As ESPN’s Jeff Passan noted, the Dodgers “were better in close contests,” especially after an extra‑inning walk‑off grand slam by first baseman Freddie Freeman in Game 1 and a blown five‑run lead in Game 5. Manager Dave Roberts, who had to concede Game 4 due to a depleted rotation, left the series with a mixed legacy.
Dodgers’ 2025 Dominance: Pitching, Power, and Management
What set the 2025 Dodgers apart was a rotation that looked more like a bullpen on steroids. MLB.com reported a starting‑rotation ERA of 1.40 and opponents hitting just .132 against Dodgers starters over 64 1/3 innings—numbers that dwarfed the Seattle Mariners, the next‑best staff at .138.
Right‑hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, a 26‑year‑old Japanese ace, logged 30 starts, 173 2/3 innings, a 2.49 ERA, 201 strikeouts and 59 walks in the regular season, then sharpened up in the postseason with a 1.83 ERA over 19 2/3 innings. Blake Snell contributed 61 1/3 innings, while two‑way phenom Shohei Ohtani added 47 innings, keeping their arms fresh for October’s grind.
Yankees’ Strategic Missteps: Where the Plan Faltered
Analysts point to three core issues. First, the Yankees entered the postseason with a rotation ERA above 4.00, a stark contrast to the Dodgers’ sub‑2.00 numbers. Second, offensive firepower sputtered in high‑leverage moments; the team managed just 24 runs in the 2024 World Series despite hitting 96 home runs during the regular season.
Third, front‑office decisions—most notably the timing of key trades—left the roster thin. Cashman’s choice to retain veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman rather than seek a younger arm drew sharp criticism after Chapman’s wrist injury limited his availability in October.
Four Moves the Yankees Could Have Made
Looking back, here are four relatively simple moves that might have changed the narrative:
- Acquire a high‑floor starter. A mid‑season trade for a pitcher with a sub‑3.00 ERA—think Mike Mahle had he been available—could have shored up the rotation.
- Boost bullpen depth. Adding a proven closer, such as Edwin Diaz (when healthy), would have given the late‑inning flexibility that Roberts lacked.
- Elevate platoon flexibility. Deploying left‑handed power hitters like Juan Soto in right‑handed matchups might have produced the extra runs needed in close games.
- Invest in analytics‑driven rest schedules. The Dodgers’ strategic pitch‑count management proved decisive; a similar data‑backed approach could have prevented over‑usage of starters like Gerrit Cole.
Looking Ahead: What 2025 Means for Both Franchises
If the Dodgers secure a second straight title, they’ll join an elite group that includes the 1977‑79 Yankees and the 1998‑2000 Yankees—teams that dominated both the regular season and the postseason. For the Yankees, the pressure on Cashman intensifies. The front office has announced a refresh of its scouting department and hinted at a possible managerial change after the season ends.
Meanwhile, veteran pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed a four‑year, $120 million extension in December 2024, signaling that Los Angeles intends to keep its core intact. Dodgers’ general manager Andrew Friedman (not marked as primary per guidelines) echoed that sentiment in a post‑victory interview, saying, “We built a culture where every arm stays healthy and every hand is ready for the moment.”
Why This Rivalry Still Captivates Fans
The clash isn’t just about East Coast vs. West Coast; it’s a battle of philosophies. The Yankees still cling to the “big‑money, big‑name” model that defined the Joe Torre era, while the Dodgers have embraced a blend of international talent, analytics, and meticulous workload management. As MLB Network analyst Dan Plesac quipped, “The closest we’ve seen to those Joe Torre great Yankee teams is what the Dodgers have built—star power and discipline working hand‑in‑hand.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dodgers’ back‑to‑back win affect the Yankees’ future strategy?
The consecutive titles underscore the need for the Yankees to revamp their pitching depth and adopt a more analytics‑driven rotation plan. Cashman’s front office is expected to prioritize acquiring young, durable arms and re‑evaluating the bullpen hierarchy before the 2026 season.
What were the key statistical differences between the two teams in the 2025 postseason?
Dodgers starters posted a 1.40 ERA and allowed a .132 batting average, while the Yankees’ rotation hovered around a 4.03 ERA with opponents hitting .268. Moreover, the Dodgers struck out 78 batters in 64 1/3 innings compared to the Yankees’ 42 strikeouts over a similar span.
Who are the standout players that could change the Yankees’ fortunes?
Young ace Gerrit Cole is expected to lead the rotation if he stays healthy, while outfielder Aaron Judge remains the power engine. In the bullpen, a fresh closer—potentially Edwin Diaz if he returns from injury—could give New York the late‑innings stability it lacked.
What historical parallels exist between this Dodgers team and past dynasties?
The current Dodgers mirror the late‑1990s Yankees in terms of balanced rosters, international talent influx, and a focus on preserving pitcher health. Both teams also benefited from savvy front‑office moves that paired star power with depth.
When does the next World Series begin, and who are the early favorites?
The 2026 World Series is slated to start on October 22, 2026. Early odds favor the defending champion Dodgers, the reigning AL champion Houston Astros, and a resurging Yankees squad if their offseason moves pay off.