UPDATE: As the 2025 World Series kicks off tonight in Toronto, fans are buzzing about the dramatic “what if” scenarios surrounding superstar Shohei Ohtani. Just days ago, speculation swirled that Ohtani might have donned a Blue Jays uniform instead of the familiar Los Angeles Dodgers gear.
In an alternate reality, Ohtani could have taken the mound for Game 1 tonight, drastically altering the dynamics of this year’s Fall Classic. The anticipation surrounding this matchup is palpable, especially considering the near-misses that led to this moment.
Back on December 8, 2023, a whirlwind of rumors erupted as a private jet was tracked heading from Southern California to Toronto, igniting hopes that Ohtani was about to sign with the Blue Jays. The internet exploded with speculation, with fans flocking to Toronto’s Pearson Airport. But, in a twist, it was not Ohtani on that flight—it was “Shark Tank” judge Robert Herjavec. Hours later, Ohtani confirmed his decision to join the Dodgers via Instagram, leaving Blue Jays fans in disbelief.
The stakes were equally high for Roki Sasaki, who also faced a pivotal decision when entering the MLB as a highly sought-after free agent. The Blue Jays were in the running, alongside the Dodgers and Padres, to secure Sasaki’s talent. In another universe, he could have emerged as the Blue Jays’ rookie sensation, rather than bolstering the Dodgers’ bullpen.
These decisions not only impacted team rosters but also shaped the narrative of the postseason. The Blue Jays, now facing the Dodgers in the World Series, are left to wonder how much stronger they could have been with Ohtani’s historic talent.
What does this mean for the World Series? If Ohtani had chosen Toronto, projections indicate the Blue Jays would have significantly improved their chances. In simulations, the Blue Jays would have had a much stronger postseason presence, increasing their win probability dramatically—potentially even winning the title in nearly 30% of simulations.
Conversely, the Dodgers, missing Ohtani’s contributions, would have faced challenges in the highly competitive MLB landscape. They would have had to pivot and reallocate resources effectively, possibly making bold moves in free agency to compensate for his absence.
As the Blue Jays prepare to take on the Dodgers tonight, fans are not only celebrating their first World Series appearance since 1993 but also contemplating the tantalizing “what if” scenarios that could have rewritten baseball history.
With the clock ticking down to game time, all eyes are on Toronto. How will the absence of Ohtani from the Blue Jays’ roster influence the outcome of this highly anticipated matchup? The drama unfolds as baseball fans worldwide tune in, ready to witness what could be a historic series.
Stay tuned as we continue to cover this thrilling World Series and its implications for the future of both franchises.
