2024 World Series preview

The 2024 MLB Postseason has been one to remember.

From clutch hits to unexpected drama late in games, it will all come down to one final series.

The Los Angeles Dodgers will be taking on the New York Yankees in a battle of juggernauts.

The Yankees will be making their first World Series appearance since 2009, in which they won 4-2 over the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Dodgers make their first return to the Fall Classic since the 2020 season that was cut short due to COVID-19.

Both offenses have provided tons of star power throughout the divisional and championship rounds, a big reason why they both made the big stage.

Looking at the Dodgers, they will be riding the back of one of the best players we have seen during this generation, Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani has continued to hit the ball well in October. Hitting .286 in 42 at-bats with a few home runs and a dozen runs batted in.

Alongside Ohtani are a couple of other players who are stepping up big during postseason action.

Tommy Edman, who was acquired during the trade deadline, leads the team in batting average. Hitting .341 as well as leading the team in hits in the month of October.

A player that has been just as dynamic is Mookie Betts. The shortstop has provided the power and clutch hitting for Los Angeles. Providing four home runs to go along with 12 RBIs.

Mookie is also hitting an above-average .295 this postseason.

All in all, this Dodgers team is absolutely loaded. With stars all around the roster including the pitching and bullpen, it’s not a surprise they have made it this far.

Moving over to the Yankees, they also have a plentiful amount of star power on their offense.

A huge key to their success this season and the postseason is young phenom Juan Soto, who has been lighting it up in the month of October.

Soto is currently hitting .333 while providing vital clutch hitting for this Yankees team.

The 25-year-old hit a huge three-run blast in the 10th inning against the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS.

Soto, who was an acquisition via trade last offseason from the San Diego Padres, has proved to live up to the hype the fans in the Bronx were hoping for.

Looking into another key player for the Yankees is Giancarlo Stanton.

The powerful designated hitter for the Yankees has been spectacular for this ball club. He has hit five home runs to go along with team team-leading 11 RBIs in October.

The 34-year-old Stanton continues to provide the power at his age and certainly looks hungry for his first World Series title.

A player that needs to continue his success from the regular season is Aaron Judge. Despite him starting to produce a little more, the Yankees are looking for him to get going.

Judge is currently hitting a quiet .161 and striking out 13 times in 31 at-bats.

The nine-year pro must get going as soon as possible if they want to keep up with a high-flying Dodgers offense.

The probables for Friday night’s game are Jack Flaherty for the Dodgers and Gerrit Cole for the Yankees.

With solid starting pitching on both sides to also go along with talented hitting, this World Series should be an instant classic for all fans across the baseball world.

Ben Barker is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email bsb5566@psu.edu.