When Blake Snell, the two‑time Cy Young winner, steps onto the mound at the Rogers Centre on Friday night, October 25, 2025, every baseball fan in Toronto will be holding their breath.
The game opens the 2025 World SeriesToronto between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. The stakes are as high as they get, but Snell’s recent October run suggests the Dodgers may have the edge.
Snell’s Road to the World Series
Snell’s path this season has been a roller‑coaster. An injury‑shortened regular season saw him start only 11 games, finishing with a 5‑4 record, a sparkling 2.35 ERA and a WHIP of 1.26. Yet the Dodgers trusted him enough to hand him the postseason ace duties.
His first postseason start came on October 1 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. In that Wild Card clash against the Reds, Snell threw six scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while fanning nine. He gave up two runs in the seventh, but the Dodgers held on.
From there, the momentum built. In the National League Division Series, Snell turned back the Philadelphia Phillies with six immaculate innings at Citizens Bank Park, surrendering a single hit and walking four. Then, on October 13 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, he tossed eight scoreless innings versus the Brewers, yielding just one hit and no walks while striking out ten.
Postseason Dominance: The Numbers
What does all that look like on the stat sheet? Fangraphs crunched the data and the picture is striking:
- 14 consecutive scoreless innings across three starts.
- Third‑highest strikeout rate in the 2025 postseason at 38.9%.
- Fifth‑highest strikeout‑to‑walk differential at 31.9%.
- Opponents hit .000 against his curveball and slider when those pitches landed in the zone.
His four‑seam fastball, the pitch that usually gets the most attention, was in the zone 43.6% of the time in October, producing a wOBA of .115 and a whiff rate of 18.2%. By contrast, his changeup was in the zone just over half the time (51.6%) but generated a 71.4% whiff rate, the highest of any pitch he threw.
What Makes Snell Tick: Pitch Arsenal
Snell’s success isn’t a mystery wrapped in a fastball; it’s a blend of velocity, movement, and timing. His fastball still sits at an average 95.1 mph—ranked sixth in the majors—but it’s his ability to locate it just inside the strike zone that keeps hitters guessing.
“When I’m ahead in the count, I like to challenge hitters with the four‑seamer,” Snell told the Dodgers’ clubhouse after his Brewers start. “When the count is even, I’ll mix in the changeup and try to get them looking.”
That strategy paid off. The changeup’s .080 wOBA in October means batters managed fewer than one hit per 12.5 chances. Meanwhile, his curveball’s zone percentage nudged higher (63.2%) while still blanking hitters.
Reactions from Players and Analysts
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Snell’s composure. “Blake has been laser‑focused,” Roberts said. “He’s not just throwing heat; he’s executing a game plan we all trust.”
Blue Jays ace Chris Sale offered a respectful warning. “Snell’s a tough guy to face in October. If he’s in the zone, you’re going to feel it, and that’s exactly why we need to be ready for everything he brings.”
Baseball analyst Jayson Stark of ESPN flagged the statistical edge. “The differential between Snell’s regular‑season and postseason strikeout rates is huge. It’s rare to see a pitcher elevate that much when the pressure’s on,” Stark wrote in his column on October 14.
Implications for the Dodgers and Blue Jays
For Los Angeles, Snell’s dominance could be the keystone of a championship run. The Dodgers have leaned on a deep bullpen all postseason, but an ace who can shut down potent lineups offers a psychological boost.
Toronto, meanwhile, knows it must answer the challenge. The Blue Jays boast a lineup that includes power hitters like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette. Their strategy will likely involve early‑inning aggression to force Snell into the bullpen early—if they can.
One thing’s clear: the series will hinge on whether Snell can repeat his 14‑inning scoreless streak. If he does, the Dodgers could clinch a title on the road for the first time since 2020.
Looking Ahead: Game 1 Preview
The stage is set at the Rogers Centre, a venue that has hosted three World Series in the last decade. The crowd is expected to exceed 50,000, and the energy will be electric.
Snell will throw a mix of fastball, changeup, and his now‑familiar curveball. His slider, while used less often, could be the surprise weapon if he’s behind in the count.
Dodgers hitters will need to be patient. If they can work the count and get Snell to chase low‑outside pitches, they might turn the tables early.
Regardless of the outcome, the matchup promises a classic start to what could become a historic series. Keep an eye on the water‑cooler conversations—everyone will be saying, “Did you see that strikeout?” for weeks to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Blake Snell’s postseason performance compare to his regular‑season numbers?
Snell’s strikeout rate jumped from roughly 28% in the regular season to 38.9% in the postseason, while his walk rate fell, giving him a strikeout‑to‑walk differential of 31.9%—the fifth‑best among all pitchers in October. His ERA also improved, dropping to a perfect 0.00 across his last two starts.
What are the Dodgers’ chances of winning the World Series with Snell on the mound?
While no single pitcher can guarantee a championship, Snell’s recent dominance gives Los Angeles a statistical edge. Analysts note that teams with an ace who can throw 14+ scoreless innings in October often win the series, especially when paired with a strong bullpen like the Dodgers’.
Which Blue Jays hitters pose the biggest threat to Snell?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who hit .306 with 36 homers this season, and Bo Bichette, a contact hitter with a .285 average, are the two most dangerous threats. Their ability to adjust mid‑at‑bat will test Snell’s secondary pitches, especially his changeup.
What does Snell’s pitch selection suggest about his strategy for Game 1?
Expect a heavy reliance on his four‑seam fastball early in the count, followed by the changeup when hitters are ahead. He’s likely to sprinkle in curveballs and occasionally a slider to keep the Blue Jays off balance.
When is the next Dodgers game after the World Series opener?
If the Dodgers win Game 1, they’ll return to the Rogers Centre for Game 2 on October 27. If they lose, they’ll head back to Dodger Stadium for Game 2 on the same date.
