The 2024 World Series is upon us!
Like it or not, two of the top 5 teams from a spending perspective are facing off. The real upside here is that we will get to see more of the stars of the game on the same field than ever before. This is the first time in decades that two MVPs will be facing off. This World Series boasts 4 MVPS (Judge, Ohtani, Betts, Freeman) -- the most in history. And it is easy to argue that the two best teams in baseball will be playing one another for the first time in several years (yes, the playoffs are broken).
These two teams have a long, iconic history in the World Series. They have faced off 11 times, with the Yankees winning 8 times. This is the first time they have clashed in the fall classic since 1981, where the Yankees jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead, but ended up losing to the Dodgers in 4 straight after that (4-2). Who will win this year? I will take you through a position by position comparison. We will start with the position players, and talk about pitching in another post.
Position by Position Comparison
Catcher
Yankees: Austin Wells
Dodgers: Will Smith
During the regular season, Will Smith had a stronger offensive performance, slashing .327 OBP, .433 SLG, and .760 OPS over 128 games. Smith's power and consistency were crucial for the Dodgers’ lineup, with 24 doubles and 2 home runs in the NLCS alone. Austin Wells, on the other hand, played 115 games with a .322 OBP, .395 SLG, and .718 OPS. Though solid, Wells’ regular-season stats fall short compared to Smith’s impact at the plate. In the postseason, Wells continued to perform admirably, but Smith’s NLCS numbers were outstanding, batting .346 with a 1.182 OPS. Smith's ability to generate runs and handle pressure situations gives the Dodgers a clear advantage at the catcher position in this matchup, making him the stronger player overall. And let's not discount that Smith has been here before... this is new territory for Wells. We look for a strong performance from Wells, and although Smith was an All Star, he cooled off considerably in the second half. Still, Smith over Wells - but not by much.
Advantage: Dodgers (Smith)
First Base
Yankees: Anthony Rizzo
Dodgers: Freddie Freeman
Both Rizzo and Freeman are currently less than 100% — Rizzo battling a hand injury and Freeman nursing a bad ankle. During the regular season, Freeman had the edge, posting a stellar .378 OBP, .476 SLG, and .854 OPS across 147 games. Despite his injury, Freeman remained a key contributor to the Dodgers' lineup. In contrast, Rizzo, limited by his hand injury, put up more modest numbers with a .301 OBP, .335 SLG, and .637 OPS in 92 games. In the postseason, Freeman’s production dipped slightly, batting .167 with a .377 OPS in the NLCS, while Rizzo didn’t have postseason stats to add to his case. Even though Freeman is the bigger offensive force, Rizzo showed he can still swing the bat in the ALCS (.429/.500/1.000) across the 5 games. With Freeman sporting a bad wheel, it'll likely rob him of some power (.167/.211/.377), it is hard to put any weight in Freeman's regular season performance here. In fact, I wouldn't be surprise to see Muncy get a start or two, especially when Rodon pitches.
Advantage: Yankees (Rizzo)
Second Base
Yankees: Gleyber Torres
Dodgers: Enrique Hernandez/Gavin Lux
During the regular season, Torres was a consistent performer for the Yankees, with a .330 OBP, .378 SLG, and .709 OPS across 154 games. He was a key offensive contributor, racking up 151 hits and 26 doubles. In the postseason, Torres continued to provide value, though his power numbers were not as prominent. On the Dodgers' side, Hernandez and Lux offer versatility, but their regular-season stats fall short of Torres'. Hernandez posted a .393 OBP and .417 SLG in the NLCS but hit .292 in the regular season, while Lux had a .320 OBP and .383 SLG in the regular season over 139 games, showing solid contact ability. In the NLCS, Lux stepped up with a .407 average and a 1.022 OPS, giving the Dodgers an edge in recent postseason performance. However, based on overall consistency throughout the season and positional experience, Gleyber Torres stands as the better choice at second base, with his reliability across both the regular season and playoffs giving the Yankees an advantage.
Advantage: Yankees (Torres)
Shortstop
Yankees: Anthony Volpe
Dodgers: Tommy Edman
During the regular season, Volpe displayed his potential, batting .293 OBP, .364 SLG, and .657 OPS over 160 games. He contributed 27 doubles and 90 runs but struggled with consistency, particularly in terms of getting on base. In the postseason, Volpe’s production remained steady but not extraordinary. On the other hand, Tommy Edman had a strong regular season, posting a .337 OBP, .410 SLG, and .748 OPS, and his versatility in both offense and defense added significant value to the Dodgers' lineup. In the NLCS, Edman was even better, batting .407 with a 1.022 OPS and driving in 11 runs, showcasing his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. While Volpe is an exciting young talent, Edman’s superior regular-season stats and his outstanding postseason performance give him the edge, making him the better player at shortstop in this World Series matchup. And let's not forget Edman is coming off the NLCS MVP award. Much like at catcher, this advantage is not a big one, but I am going to go with Edman continuing his hot play.
Advantage: Dodgers (Edman)
Third Base
Yankees: Jazz Chisholm
Dodgers: Enrique Hernandez/Max Muncy
Chisholm, known for his athleticism, posted a .238 OBP, .211 SLG, and .449 OPS over 5 ALCS games, struggling to find consistency at the plate. His regular season numbers (.256/.324/.760) speak to more potential, and he did step it up once he became a Yankee (.273/.325..825) but it is hard to say who we are going to get. Although he brings speed and defensive versatility, his offensive numbers were underwhelming in comparison. Enrique Hernandez, playing across multiple positions for the Dodgers, had a solid regular season with a .393 OBP and .417 SLG in the NLCS, showcasing his ability to perform in the clutch. Max Muncy, though injured for part of the season, remains a power threat, evidenced by his regular-season .494 SLG and .852 OPS across 73 games. In the NLCS, Muncy added value with his veteran presence and ability to hit in big moments. While Chisholm offers speed and athleticism, Hernandez's versatility and postseason performance, combined with Muncy's power, give the Dodgers a stronger overall advantage at third base.
Advantage: Dodgers (Hernandez/Muncy)
Left Field
Yankees: Alex Verdugo
Dodgers: Teoscar Hernandez
Verdugo had a respectable regular season, posting a .330 OBP, .421 SLG, and .751 OPS. Although he had stretches where he was cold and looked disconnected in left field, compared to other options he looked consistent and reliable at the plate combined with his passable defense make him the best option out there. In the postseason, Verdugo looked more like the steady player the Yankees need, though without significant power numbers. On the other hand, Teoscar Hernández excelled during the regular season with a .308 OBP, .490 SLG, and .798 OPS, hitting 26 home runs and providing power from the Dodgers’ outfield. Hernández's postseason has been even more impressive, as he slashed .346 with a 1.182 OPS in the NLCS, demonstrating his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. While Verdugo is a more well-rounded player, Hernández’s power and clutch hitting in the postseason give him the edge in left field. His ability to change the game with one swing makes Hernández the better player in this matchup.
Advantage: Dodgers (Hernandez)
Left Field
Yankees: Alex Verdugo
Dodgers: Teoscar Hernandez
Verdugo had a respectable regular season, posting a .291 OBP, .356 SLG, and .647 OPS. Although he had stretches where he was cold and looked disconnected in left field, compared to other options he looked consistent and reliable at the plate combined with his passable defense make him the best option out there. In the postseason, Verdugo looked more like the steady player the Yankees need, though without significant power numbers. On the other hand, Teoscar Hernández excelled during the regular season with a .308 OBP, .490 SLG, and .798 OPS, hitting 26 home runs and providing power from the Dodgers’ outfield. Hernández's postseason has been even more impressive, as he slashed .346 with a 1.182 OPS in the NLCS, demonstrating his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. While Verdugo is a more well-rounded player, Hernández’s power and clutch hitting in the postseason give him the edge in left field. His ability to change the game with one swing makes Hernández the better player in this matchup.
Advantage: Dodgers (Hernandez)
Center Field
Yankees: Aaron Judge
Dodgers: Andy Pages
Aaron Judge is simply one of - if not the - best players in baseball today. There is no question. And in 2024, he had another dominant regular season. He posted a stellar .458 OBP, .701 SLG, and 1.159 OPS, along with 58 home runs. Judge’s combination of power, plate discipline, and defense makes him a cornerstone of the Yankees' lineup. In the postseason, Judge continued to be a major force, though pitchers often worked around him due to his ability to change games with a single swing. On the other hand, Andy Pages, a young and talented outfielder, had a promising regular season but lacks the experience and production that Judge brings. While Pages has potential, his .722 OPS in the regular season and more modest postseason performance don't compare to Judge's star power and proven impact in key moments. Judge’s leadership, experience, and game-changing ability at the plate give the Yankees a clear advantage in center field. His presence alone makes him the better player in this matchup.
Advantage: Yankees (Judge)
Right Field
Yankees: Juan Soto
Dodgers: Mookie Betts
This is the best match up on the field, without question. Two of the top ten players in the game today - on the same field in the same position. If you told me they make the same money and I had to choose between them, I could not. But today, I have to... so here it goes. During the regular season, both players had outstanding performances. Juan Soto posted a .419 OBP, .569 SLG, and an OPS of .989, along with 31 doubles and 35 home runs, making him one of the most dangerous hitters in the league. Mookie Betts, though slightly behind in terms of raw power, still had an excellent season with a .372 OBP, .491 SLG, and an OPS of .863, contributing 24 doubles and 18 home runs in 116 games.ve the Yankees a clear advantage in center field. His presence alone makes him the better player in this matchup. In the postseason, both players have been key contributors to their teams. Betts slashed .346/.452/.731 with a 1.182 OPS in the NLCS, demonstrating his ability to hit for power and get on base, while driving in 9 runs. Meanwhile, Soto had a spectacular ALCS, hitting .368/.478/.895 with a 1.373 OPS, including 3 home runs and 6 RBIs in just 5 games.
Betts is just a great all-around player who can do anything on the field, and so is Soto. Both players support the guy who is just a little bigger in the lineup. In the end, Soto has shown he is up for the task and his power is following him into the postseason. Edge to Soto.
Advantage: Yankees (Soto)
Designated Hitter
Yankees: Giancarlo Stanton
Dodgers: Shohei Ohtani
This is the second best match up on the field. Ohtani is... well... Shohei Ohtani, and Giancarlo Stanton is unquestionably one of the best power bats of this generation. If During the regular season, Ohtani had an extraordinary performance, posting a .390 OBP, .646 SLG, and a 1.036 OPS over 159 games, with 38 doubles, 44 home runs, and 134 runs scored. His ability to consistently produce at the plate made him one of the most feared hitters in baseball. In contrast, Stanton had a solid but less explosive season that was riddled with injuries, with a .298 OBP, .475 SLG, and a .773 OPS over 114 games, hitting 20 doubles and 25 home runs. In the postseason, both players have continued to be key contributors for their teams. Stanton stepped it up and had a strong ALCS, batting .222 with a .333 OBP and a .889 SLG, including 4 home runs and 7 RBIs, showing his ability to deliver power in key moments. Big G was the ALCS MVP. However, Ohtani was equally impressive in the NLCS, batting .364 with a .548 OBP and a .636 SLG, contributing 8 hits and 9 runs in 6 games and hitting every time someone was on base.
While Stanton’s power is undeniable, Ohtani’s overall production, both in the regular season and postseason, makes him the better player in this matchup. His ability to get on base, hit for power, and consistently deliver in clutch moments gives the Dodgers the advantage here.
Advantage: Dodgers (Ohtani)
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Bruce holds degrees in Computer Science, Biblical History, and American History from Temple University and Liberty University; he has also completed a Doctorate in Educational Organizational Leadership at Abilene Christian University. He is a member of the Epsilon Pi Tau Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Historical Studies Honor Society, and the Saber and Scroll Society. He has worked in educational technology for 30 years and specializes in building infrastructures for schools that work to support the mission of technology in education in the classroom. He has also served as a classroom teacher in computer science, history, and English classes at both the high school and College levels. His baseball career spanned almost 15 years, from high school through Division I college ball and experience in MLB. He has coached players at various levels from ages 8 through 18.
