As we head towards Game 1 of the 2024 World Series on Friday, it’s time to take a deep dive into this monumental series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees. When analyzing the Dodgers specifically, this team has demonstrated several ways to win. LA utilizes its depth as well as anyone, and this upcoming series should be no different. Let’s look at three potential X-Factors for the Boys in Blue as they try to beat the Bronx Bombers.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto
The Dodgers gave Yamamoto $325 million this past offseason for a reason. He was brought in to be the team’s ace — and this is the opportunity for him to do just that. Interestingly, he made one start versus the Yankees (in the Bronx) earlier this year. It turned out to be his best-ever MLB start — allowing only two hits through seven shutout innings. This included seven strikeouts.
After coming back from a shoulder injury, we’ve seen glimpses of that pitcher in recent games. While clinching Game 5 versus the Padres in the NLDS, he allowed only two hits in five shutout innings. Against the Mets in Game 4 of the NLCS, Yamamoto struck out eight and allowed only two runs over 4.1 innings. His stuff looked electric, and the Dodgers truly need him to give the club consistent outings if they’re to beat the Yankees.
Will Smith
For as good as the Dodgers’ offense has been throughout the postseason, Smith still hasn’t quite got going. He’s hitting .158 through the first two rounds. While a couple of his hits have been majestic homers, the Dodgers are hoping the two-time All-Star can revitalize the hitting stroke which has made him one of the best catchers in all of baseball.
Assuming Smith regains his swing and starts squaring up the ball, it’ll make LA’s already deep lineup that much more scary.
Alex Vesia
Vesia is a wildcard here. He didn’t play in the Mets series due to a muscular injury. All signs point towards him coming back for the World Series. Vesia has long been a trusted arm in Manager Dave Roberts’ bullpen. He posted a stellar 1.76 ERA in 66.1 innings this year. That included striking out 87 guys during that time. Being a lefty, he helps to balance out the pen further as he joins Anthony Banda being the predominant left-handed arms. Vesia not only crushes lefties, but his rising fastball makes him a very good option versus right-handed pitching.
The Yankees not only boast Juan Soto, but also Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Vesia is a guy that can be used in virtually any situation — and likely will be asked to face those three hitters at some point in the series. He makes the Dodgers bullpen even more deadly assuming he’s fully back and ready to go.
