Ranking four potential World Series matchups based on excitement level

While Wednesday dawned with the Seattle Mariners owning a 2-0 ALCS lead over the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers heading back to California with a 2-0 NLCS advantage over the Milwaukee Brewers, there is still plenty of baseball to be played before we know exactly which teams will play in the 2025 World Series.

However, if those 2-0 leads by the Mariners and Dodgers were to hold, would a Seattle-Los Angeles World Series be one that excited baseball fans around North America or caused them to turn their full attention to the NFL and other sports?

According to Baseball Almanac, the 2023 World Series featuring the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers was the least-watched Fall Classic (with the exception of the 2020 World Series following a shortened season due to COVID-19) since viewership totals started being tracked in 1973. Just over nine million watched the Rangers top the Diamondbacks, a much lower number than last season’s battle between the Dodgers and New York Yankees (14.34 million) or the 2022 matchup featuring the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros (11.78 million).

When it comes to interest level, big names and storied franchises matter to sports fans perhaps more than storylines. With that in mind, let’s rank which of the four potential 2025 World Series matchups might be the most or least popular.

Ranking World Series matchups by excitement level

Key factors considered:

• Market size and national following
• Star power and recognizable players
• Storylines (underdog narratives, payroll disparities)
• Geographic/cultural interest
• Historical significance

4. Seattle vs. Milwaukee

• Why: While both teams have passionate local fanbases, this matchup lacks national star power (outside of those following Cal Raleigh’s quest to win AL Most Valuable Player honors) and major market appeal. It's a small-market vs. mid-market series that would likely have the lowest national television ratings. Great for fans of these teams, but limited broader appeal (outside of one team winning its first-ever World Series).

3. Toronto vs. Milwaukee

• Why: This would be an interesting small-market vs. international market matchup. Milwaukee’s scrappy, well-run organization against Toronto’s Canadian fanbase creates intrigue, but lacks the star power of what would be presented with any matchup involving the Dodgers. It would have East Coast appeal with the Blue Jays, but would it matter much to fans west of the Mississippi River?

2. Seattle vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

• Why: West Coast rivalry with the Dodgers’ star power would drive interest. Seattle has a passionate fanbase and represents the Pacific Northwest underdog story, with a spot in the 2025 World Series marking the first in franchise history. However, it's a matchup that feels more regional than national with no teams outside the Pacific time zone represented.

1. Toronto vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

• Why: The Dodgers are always a national draw with their star power and massive payroll, plus will draw more interest in Japan thanks to Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Toronto brings an international element and represents all of Canada, creating a unique cross-border rivalry. The contrast between markets and the Dodgers’ quest to win consecutive World Series makes this the most compelling matchup.

Simply put, the Dodgers elevate any matchup they’re in due to their brand recognition and star-studded roster, which is why they appear in the top two rankings.