The 2024 World Series kicks off a major matchup featuring the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, set to begin Friday evening at Dodger Stadium.

This marks the 12th World Series clash between these iconic teams, with their last encounter in 1981, following the Yankees’ victories in 1977 and 1978.

Key players Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are both making their World Series debuts, while this postseason marks Ohtani’s first ever playoff experience. Notably, he made history by being the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season and has tallied three home runs and 10 RBIs over the course of 11 October games.

The Yankees secured their position in the World Series after defeating the Kansas City Royals in the ALDS and the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS, marking their first World Series appearance since 2009. Meanwhile, the Dodgers bested the San Diego Padres in the NLDS and the New York Mets in the NLCS.

Here is how the MLB writers and editors from YSL News Sports foresee the World Series outcome:

2024 World Series Predictions: Analyst Choices

Bob Nightengale: Los Angeles Dodgers in 7 – The Dodgers possess superior depth and versatility, allowing them to win in various ways. Their confidence soared after eliminating the San Diego Padres in the Division Series, making them feel unstoppable.

Gabe Lacques: Dodgers in 6 – The lineup’s strength is too formidable, and their innovative bullpen strategy is likely to perform better than that of the Yankees.

Steve Gardner: Dodgers in 7 – While the Dodgers are missing a fully healthy Freddie Freeman and may not compete with the Yankees’ pitching depth, their offensive power during the playoffs will be crucial in what promises to be a high-scoring series, culminating in a walk-off victory by Shohei Ohtani.

Jesse Yomtov: New York Yankees in 7 – The Dodgers have faced challenges with their pitching recently and are expected to be outperformed by Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in this Series. The Dodgers might witness yet another rival celebrate a championship victory at their home stadium for the third time in eight years.

Scott Boeck: Dodgers in 6 – In a World Series featuring six past MVPs, it will be Shohei Ohtani—the $700 million athlete—leading the Dodgers to their first championship in a full season since 1988, marking an impressive debut season in Los Angeles.