"I don't consider anyone an underdog" - MLB insider Jeff Passan says Yankees-Dodgers World Series serves up "rare treat" for fans
The New York Yankees will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series, the 12th time the two storied franchises will face off against each other in the Fall Classic. According to MLB insider Jeff Passan, baseball fans are in for a "rare treat" as both teams are equally matched at this point, with MVP candidates and multiple superstars in the lineup on both sides.
The Yankees were involved in seven Subway Series with the Dodgers from 1941 to 1956 before the Dodgers relocated from Brooklyn to Southern California. Despite being the most frequent World Series matchup in MLB history, the two teams have met each other just five times in nearly 70 years. This is the first time both clubs will play each other in the Fall Classic since 1981.
Jeff Passan shared his thoughts on the upcoming World Series while speaking on "The Dan Patrick Show".
"I don't consider anyone an underdog in this series," Passan said. "I look at this series, and it's so evenly matched in my mind.
"To me, this is about as much of a coin flip [of] a series as you're going to get," he continued. "And to have that between the two bluebloods who are playing in it is just a really rare treat baseball fans are going to be given at this time of the year."
Historically, the Yankees have more than an edge over their opponents in the World Series, having won seven of the previous 11 meetings. But the Dodgers claimed the honors when these two teams last faced each other more than 40 years ago.
$300 million team vs. $300 million team: Jeff Passan on 2024 World Series
Passan also alluded to the current state of the rivalry between the Yankees and the Dodgers, with superstar-laden rosters on both teams with massive budgets.
The Yankees have the second-highest payroll in the MLB this year, right behind their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, at just over $300 million. The Dodgers posted a $250 million payroll at the start of the season, although they have moved well beyond the mark after making numerous acquisitions during the trade deadline.
"As much as I get the anger over Coast versus Coast, over $300 million team versus over $300 million team, I look at this and I'm like 'damn, there's going to be some good baseball,'" Passan said. "Really, as I fan, I'm looking forward to watching that part of it."
Game 1 of the 2024 World Series gets underway at Yankee Stadium on Saturday.