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The Rays already knocked off the Yankees, who have the game’s highest payroll, and now face the Dodgers, who have the largest payroll in the National League, in the first World Series held at a neutral site, with the entire best-of-seven series being played at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Dodgers president Andrew Friedman was the general manager of the Rays when they reached the World Series in 2008, Tampa Bay’s only other trip there. The Dodgers are playing in their third World Series in the last four years and have won eight straight division titles — but are still searching for their first championship since 1988.
Dodgers vs. Rays, World Series matchups
At the plate
Getting on base: For all their success, the Rays haven’t done a great job of getting runners on this postseason. Brandon Lowe, perhaps their most consistent offensive threat during the regular season, has been silent in October and Tampa Bay has relied on the home run. The Dodgers are more well-rounded in this area, with Mookie Betts, Justin Turner, Max Muncy and catcher Will Smith consistent threats.
Edge: Dodgers
Power: The Rays have, in part, slugged their way to the World Series, led by breakout star Randy Arozarena, who has already set a rookie record with seven postseason homers. Manuel Margot, Mike Zunino and Ji-Man Choi have all delivered huge home runs. Corey Seager has been a force throughout the playoffs for the Dodgers with six home runs and Cody Bellinger, coming off a rough regular season, can still mash.
Edge: Dodgers
On the base paths: Despite stealing bases in the regular season, the Rays haven’t used that part of the game much in the playoffs — but both teams can run.
Edge: Even
In the field
Infield: The Rays deploy the infield shift seemingly better than any other team and have plenty of slick fielders, with Lowe at second, Willy Adames at shortstop and Joey Wendle at third, as well as a trio of solid first basemen. The Dodgers have Muncy at first, Turner at third, Seager at short and usually Chris Taylor at second for a fine infield.
Edge: Rays
Outfield: As if people didn’t know what a great player Betts was heading into the postseason, he put on a highlight show in right field in the NLCS. The Dodgers also have Bellinger — who aggravated a shoulder injury during a home run celebration in Game 7 — in center and AJ Pollock in left. Kevin Kiermaier is excellent in center, but he’s coming off a wrist injury. The Rays have Arozarena in left and Margot in right.
Edge: Dodgers
Bench
The Rays are known for getting the most out of their roster and they’ve gotten some contributions from players like Mike Brosseau, Yandy Diaz and Michael Perez. Austin Barnes is valuable for the Dodgers and Kiké Hernandez and Edwin Rios are dangerous, as well.
Edge: Even
On the mound
Rotation: Unlike the previous rounds in these playoffs, there are days off in the World Series, so teams won’t have to go as deep into their rotations. The Rays figure to go with Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow and Charlie Morton in the first three games, with a bullpen game featuring Ryan Yarbrough in Game 4. Clayton Kershaw could get another shot at postseason redemption in Game 1, with Walker Buehler possibly going on short rest and Julio Urias followed by some combination of Dustin May and Tony Gonsolin.
Edge: Rays
Bullpen: Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash has not been shy about going to his pen and it has mostly delivered, led by Nick Anderson, Diego Castillo, Pete Fairbanks and sidearmer Ryan Thompson. Kenley Jansen remains the wild card for the Dodgers. He practically lost the closer’s job after the NLDS, but bounced back by finishing Games 5 and 6 in the NLCS with a scoreless ninth inning each time. Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts will also rely on Blake Treinen, Pedro Baez, Brusdar Graterol and lefty Victor Gonzalez.
Edge: Rays
Manager
Kevin Cash is riding high, with most of his decisions paying off — but there was a blip in Game 6 of the ALCS, when Snell was upset about being pulled and Castillo struggled. Still, it’s hard to have an issue with much of what he’s done. Dave Roberts, like the Dodgers, has proven he can win in the regular season, but hasn’t finished the job in the playoffs.
Edge: Even
Intangibles
The Dodgers were the best team in the NL and the Rays tops all season in the AL. Both have shown toughness in winning hard-fought series. If the Dodgers lose in the World Series for the third time in four years, there will be plenty to answer for, so they certainly have the pressure.
Edge: Even
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