LA Dodgers on the verge of historic World Series spot

The Los Angeles Dodgers are just one win away from securing a coveted spot in the World Series. If they clinch victory this Friday, their journey to the Fall Classic will be complete. On Thursday, they triumphed 10-2 over the New York Mets at Citi Field, putting them ahead 3-1 in the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

The MLB side reached this stage after defeating the San Diego Padres 3-2 in the Divisional Series, while the Mets advanced by overcoming the Philadelphia Phillies 3-1.

The last time the Dodgers reached—and won—the World Series was in October 2020, when they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in six games to claim their seventh championship. Now, just four years later, the Dodgers boast an enviable offence that has only grown stronger in the playoffs, led by stars like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.

OPTIMISM: Dodgers already place World Series tickets on sale

Determined to return to the World Series, the Dodgers made significant investments in the offseason, bringing in key players to elevate their game. Their most notable acquisition was Shohei Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract after leaving the Los Angeles Angels in December. While the deal is deferred, the total commitment reflects the team’s ambition.

In addition, pitcher Tyler Glasnow joined from the Tampa Bay Rays on a five-year, $136.5 million contract, and Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, making his MLB debut after a successful career with the Orix Buffaloes in Nippon Professional Baseball, signed a 12-year, $325 million deal. With these three players alone, the Dodgers have committed a staggering $1.161 billion, making their intentions clear: to secure another MLB crown—or at the very least, a ticket to the World Series.

For the Mets, the challenge is monumental. Down 3-1 in the series, they face elimination but will attempt to rally in front of their fans at Citi Field. A win would extend the series, but a loss would end their postseason run.

Meanwhile, in the American League Championship Series (ALCS), the New York Yankees have taken a 2-1 lead over the Cleveland Guardians. In Game 3 at Progressive Field, the Guardians surprised the Yankees with a big inning in the third.

Should both the Dodgers and Yankees advance to the World Series, it would be their first meeting since 1981, when the Dodgers won in six games, claiming their first title since 1965. That series was also the third time the Dodgers defeated the Yankees in the Fall Classic, a rivalry that dates back to their early days when the Dodgers were based in Brooklyn.