Gleyber Torres
| TBO9 (Season) |
4.46 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
4.50 |
vs.
Shohei Ohtani
| TBO9 (Season) |
7.66 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
10.80 |
In this matchup, Shohei Ohtani clearly stands out as one of the best baseball players ever. He is poised to be the NL MVP after an incredible 50-50 season, ranking as the second-best batter in the MLB, just behind Aaron Judge. Although Ohtani started slowly in the divisional series, he has warmed up significantly. With runners on base, he becomes nearly unstoppable, boasting a tremendous TBO9 of 10.80 during the conference series. This could be Ohtani's moment to solidify his status as the king of baseball, and the Dodgers will rely heavily on his performance.
On the other hand, Gleyber Torres is key for the Yankees. He ranks 228th in the MLB this season, showcasing him as a middle-of-the-road hitter with a TBO9 of 3.89 in the postseason. While Torres has had a regular performance, he is capable of delivering great moments that could be critical to the Yankees' success. If he can get on base, it would significantly complicate matters for the Dodgers, especially with players like Soto, Judge, and Stanton behind him. Putting pressure on the Dodgers' pitching staff will be essential for the Yankees.
Verdict: Advantage Dodgers - Ohtani's exceptional skills contrasting against Torres' inconsistent performance.
Juan Soto
| TBO9 (Season) |
7.22 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
8.44 |
vs.
Mookie Betts
| TBO9 (Season) |
5.92 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
11.00 |
This matchup is on a knife edge. The current star is Juan Soto, whose 10th-inning home run sealed the Yankees' place in the World Series. As part of the Yankees' trio alongside Judge and Stanton, Soto is a free agent after this season, making headlines. With a TBO9 of 7.22 and 41 home runs in the regular season, he has been a rock in the Conference Series, boasting a TBO9 of 8.44. Many are picking Soto to shine and lead the Yankees to victory.
On the other hand, Mookie Betts is a star in his own right, a former MVP with a massive contract. This season, he has had a quieter performance with a TBO9 of 5.92 and only 19 home runs. However, Betts has stepped up in the postseason with a TBO9 of 6.08, including 4 home runs and an impressive 8 hits in 18 at-bats during the Conference Series, along with a TBO9 of 11.00. Betts is crucial for the Dodgers, especially with Freeman as an injury doubt.
Verdict: Advantage Yankees - While it's close, this feels like Soto's moment, especially with a $600 million+ contract awaiting him. However, Betts will push him close.
Aaron Judge
| TBO9 (Season) |
8.29 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
5.62 |
vs.
Teoscar Hernández
| TBO9 (Season) |
5.46 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
2.81 |
The Captain, Aaron Judge, MVP of the AL. Leading batter in baseball in the regular season with a phenomenal TBO9 of 8.29. He is the real weapon in the Yankees arsenal, and coming in after Soto, it is the stuff of nightmares for opposing pitchers. However, this postseason he has been a bit off his game with a TBO9 of only 3.77 and 2 home runs. In the ALCS, he improved slightly to 5.62, but he will have to get his game back to regular levels if the Yankees are to have a chance.
In the absence of Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernández will be boosted up to third in the order. With 33 home runs and a TBO9 of 5.46, making him the 48th best batter in the MLB this season, he has been good in his first season in Los Angeles, possibly better than expected. However, in the postseason, he has been poor with a TBO9 of only 3.25 and in the NLCS only 2.81. The Dodgers will need Teoscar to pick up his game, especially if Freddie Freeman is ruled out.
Verdict: Advantage Yankees; even if Judge isn't that hot right now, he is the glue for this team, and if he gets going, the Yankees might just be unstoppable.
Giancarlo Stanton
| TBO9 (Season) |
5.05 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
8.40 |
vs.
Tommy Edman
| TBO9 (Season) |
4.86 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
5.85 |
Giancarlo Stanton, the third power player for the Yankees, is in real form right now. He was the MVP of the ALCS, posting a TBO9 of 5.05 in the regular season, placing him 94th in MLB rankings. However, he has come alive this postseason with a TBO9 of 7.41 over 39 plate appearances, hitting 5 home runs. In the ALCS, he shone with a TBO9 of 8.40 and 3 home runs. If Stanton can bring the power, the trio of Soto, Judge, and Stanton might just overwhelm any opponent.
On the flip side, Tommy Edman emerged as a breakout star for the Dodgers during the NLCS. After being signed from the Cardinals at the trade deadline, he has become a vital cog in the lineup. Batting a TBO9 of 4.86 with the Dodgers, he has maintained a similar performance in the postseason, recently picking up to 5.85. While Edman is an essential part of the Dodgers' machine, he may not set the series ablaze like Stanton.
Verdict: Advantage Yankees - Stanton enters this series with a perfect 100.00 confidence score, and more fireworks are expected from the future Hall of Famer.
Jazz Chisholm
| TBO9 (Season) |
5.05 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
3.60 |
vs.
Max Muncy
| TBO9 (Season) |
6.08 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
16.00 |
Jazz Chisholm Jr. joined the Yankees from the Miami Marlins at the Trade Deadline and has made a solid contribution, with a TBO9 of 6.14 after 176 ABs. However, his postseason performance has dipped to 3.18, only slightly improving to 3.60 in the ALCS. The Yankees will need Jazz to regain his electric form to support the big hitters.
In contrast, Max Muncy has been exceptional this year, boasting a TBO9 of 6.08 and ranking 15th in the MLB. His postseason performance remains steady with a TBO9 of 5.52, but he excelled in the NLCS with a remarkable TBO9 of 16.00, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure. Muncy may just be the surprise package capable of outshining the superstars.
Verdict: Advantage Dodgers - Muncy is an elite batter, and while Chisholm can be effective, Muncy enters the series with greater confidence.
Anthony Rizzo
| TBO9 (Season) |
3.74 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
5.73 |
vs.
Kike Hernández
| TBO9 (Season) |
4.03 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
5.29 |
Veteran Anthony Rizzo had a poor 2024, finishing with a TBO9 of just 3.74 and 8 home runs. Although there are signs of improvement in the postseason, with a TBO9 of 4.50 and 5.73 in the ALCS, he will need to make significant contributions lower down the order for the Yankees.
Kiké Hernández had a similar story during the regular season with a TBO9 of 4.03, improving slightly to 4.66. He has hit 2 key home runs for the Dodgers, and during the NLCS, he recorded a TBO9 of 5.29, just below Rizzo's.
Verdict: Advantage Dodgers - It's close, but Kiké thrives in the limelight and is capable of delivering big swings in the postseason.
Anthony Volpe
| TBO9 (Season) |
4.25 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
7.07 |
vs.
Andy Pages
| TBO9 (Season) |
4.33 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
6.23 |
Anthony Volpe started the season as the Yankees' leadoff hitter after an excellent rookie season in 2023. He began strong, often getting on base but has since slipped down the order, ending the season with a TBO9 of 4.25 and 12 home runs. His postseason performance has been underwhelming, with a TBO9 of 3.72, but he has shown signs of improvement with a recent TBO9 of 7.07.
On the other hand, Andy Pages, the Cuban rookie, has been a solid find for the Dodgers with a TBO9 of 4.33. His postseason performance has been impressive, boasting a TBO9 of 6.43 and 2 home runs in one game against the Mets.
Verdict: Advantage Dodgers - Volpe is on a downward curve while Pages is on the rise. Look out for the rookie to make a significant impact.
Austin Wells
| TBO9 (Season) |
4.78 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
3.46 |
vs.
Will Smith
| TBO9 (Season) |
4.76 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
5.40 |
The two catchers go head to head. Austin Wells has been solid with a TBO9 of 4.78 in the regular season, while Smith is similar with a TBO9 of 4.76, showing little to separate them. However, Wells has struggled in the postseason with a TBO9 of 1.64, raising concerns for the Yankees. Smith has also not excelled, posting a 2.31 TBO9 but managed a home run and a couple of walks for a TBO9 of 5.40 in the Conference Series.
Verdict: Advantage Dodgers - both teams have misfiring catchers, and in a series of small margins, the contributions of the catchers could be key. Smith just has the edge at the moment.
Alex Verdugo
| TBO9 (Season) |
4.03 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
3.86 |
vs.
Chris Taylor
| TBO9 (Season) |
4.10 |
| TBO9 (Last 7 Days) |
7.71 |
The battle of the number nines. Both teams have respectable number nines, and if they can get on base as the top of the order comes around, it could be a real weapon for either team. Both are close over the season with a TBO9 of 4.03 for Verdugo and 4.10 for Taylor. Verdugo has an OBP of .291 compared to .298 for Taylor, showing how close they are. Verdugo has a slugging average of .056 greater than Taylor, suggesting he is more likely to get a big shot. However, over the ALCS, Verdugo has a TBO9 of 3.86 while Taylor has really picked it up to 7.71.
Verdict: Advantage Dodgers - both number nines are decent, but Taylor just has the edge for his recent form.
