The 2024 World Series had two of the biggest teams in baseball face off on the biggest stage: the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. After five games the Dodgers took the championship and brought home their 8th World Series.
The 2024 World Series was highly anticipated, especially for Yankees fans with it being their first World Series appearance since 2009. The Yankees and Dodgers each finished the regular season at the top of their respective leagues and both showcased arguably two of baseball’s biggest stars: Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, both former MVPs. According to Fox Sports the series brought in a viewership of over 30 million people and was the most watched series since the seven-game thriller in 2017 when the Houston Astros defeated the Dodgers. The Los Angeles Dodgers this time were victorious and won the series in game five after a Yankee fielding breakdown in the fifth inning.
Even though Ohtani was the original focus for Dodgers fans, first baseman Freddie Freeman took over the series after hitting a grand slam in the last inning of game one which completely crushed New York’s momentum. Freeman went on a historic run and hit home runs in game two, three and four and broke a record for hitting six straight home runs in the World Series. Freddie Freeman ended the season winning World Series MVP and becoming a two-time World Series champion.
Similarly, Yankee fans turned to outfielder Juan Soto in hopes of a standout series as Judge failed to produce. Soto, who the Yankees signed in free agency at the start of the year, went on an amazing run in New York becoming an MVP finalist and kept the Yankees alive in the postseason multiple times. Ultimately, his outstanding play was not enough to lift the Yankees past the Dodgers.
The future for the Yankees and Dodgers are potentially trending in opposite directions. Both teams have large amounts of money and are never afraid to spend it as shown by having a larger payroll than five other teams combined that also made the playoffs. With this recent World Series ring, the Dodgers have an advantage in free agency and landing players from overseas in Japan like they did with star Ohtani and ace pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The Dodgers are now setting their attention to pitcher Rōki Sasaki who has been a stand-out player in the Japanese League. The Dodgers geographical location plays a big role in landing these players from overseas as it is the closest to home as possible and they are still playing on a successful team. Add in the fact that they have the fifth best farm team in the MLB and the Dodgers look like a dynasty is right around the corner.
The Yankees on the other hand are heading south. The New York Yankees have the oldest average roster in the MLB at 29 years old and the 18th best farm team. The Yankees have a large payroll as of right now and many of the free agents this year would add to an already aging roster which is not what the Yankees need. The Yankees went into the season in a win-now situation and came up short so many would think it’s safe to say a rebuild may be in store for the Yankees. In particular, they will have to face next year without their playoff star, Soto.
After being the backbone of the Yankees’ World Series roster and coming up short, Soto was eager for another shot at a World Series ring and many teams were hoping to snatch Juan Soto with a huge contract. After the Yankees’ defeat Soto gave a statement when being asked about what the future looked like saying, “I’d be open to any team, no doors are closed.” The frontrunners of this race were the Mets, Yankees and Dodgers, with all willing to add to their already massive payrolls and add to their rosters of superstars. Ultimately, the Mets proved to be the most attractive and Soto has agreed to a 15 year, $765 million deal. Soto is only 26 years old and is still in his prime so a record breaking contract should be no surprise. What remains to be seen is what move the Yankees will make now.
