By Harshit | October 24, 2025 | Toronto, Canada | 05:30 AM EDT
Ohtani Plane Brings Dodgers to Canada for Historic World Series Clash
TORONTO — Two years after rumors suggested Shohei Ohtani was bound for Toronto, the Los Angeles Dodgers finally landed in Canada, ready for Game 1 of the 2025 World Series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Oct. 24. The matchup marks the first time the Dodgers and Blue Jays will meet in the Fall Classic, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Ohtani and his teammates traveled in style, using two separate aircraft—one for the roster and one for staff—a logistical setup first introduced during the Dodgers’ 2024 postseason run and continued throughout the 2025 regular season. The arrangement has become colloquially known among players as the “Ohtani Plane,” symbolizing his influence on the organization both on and off the field.
The Ohtani Decision That Shaped Baseball History
The backstory to this World Series trip began when Ohtani, a Japanese two-way superstar, chose the Dodgers over the Blue Jays and San Francisco Giants, opting for a 10-year, $700 million package with significant deferred payments. His choice allowed the Dodgers greater flexibility under luxury-tax constraints, reshaping the team’s long-term strategy.
Media coverage at the time was feverish, with reports suggesting Ohtani had signed with Toronto or even boarded a flight to meet the Blue Jays’ roster and staff. Dodgers slugger Max Muncy recalls his initial reaction to the reports.
“Like everyone else, I saw the Blue Jays thing. I was like, ‘OK, it’s done. That sucks, but it’s done.’”
The decision ultimately remained in Los Angeles, where Ohtani produced a 50-homer, 50-stolen base season and helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title in 2024. His 2025 campaign included one of the most historic performances in postseason history during Game 4 of the National League Championship Series.
Impact Beyond the Diamond
Ohtani’s arrival not only transformed Los Angeles baseball operations but also had ripple effects across the league. Stadium renovations, travel protocols, and global sponsorship deals have all evolved to accommodate the two-way star. According to Muncy, Ohtani’s presence helped expand Dodger Stadium’s international brand, drawing four million fans this season alone.
In Toronto, the Blue Jays have also been making strides, investing $400 million in renovations to Rogers Centre and $100 million in their player development facilities in Dunedin, Florida. The team went to great lengths to accommodate Ohtani during free agency, even flying his dog, Decoy, to Canada with a specially outfitted jacket and creating an Ohtani-themed locker.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider joked about the memorabilia:
“I hope he brought his hat. And the jacket for Decoy, you know? Give us back our stuff already.”
Toronto’s Resilient Roster
Despite missing out on Ohtani, the Blue Jays have built a formidable team. Homegrown stars Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette lead the lineup, complemented by veteran acquisition George Springer and ace pitchers Max Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, and José Berríos. Pitcher Chris Bassitt emphasized the team’s mindset:
“It wasn’t so much, ‘Man, we wanted him.’ It was more, he had the ability to choose. And he chose. We have a megastar in Vladdy…We’ve got a really talented roster here, and that’s what matters.”
The Blue Jays’ front office has focused on building a balanced roster capable of contending in the long term, rather than relying on single free-agent signings.
Ohtani Remains a Teammate and Fan Favorite
For the Dodgers, Ohtani’s value extends beyond statistics. Muncy described him as “a truly wonderful human being…just a little kid out there,” highlighting his infectious enthusiasm and professionalism. In addition to batting leadoff in the series, Ohtani is expected to pitch in Game 4 at Dodger Stadium, reinforcing his two-way impact.
The World Series trip has served as a reminder for Toronto that even if Ohtani didn’t choose them, they are competing at the highest level with a roster capable of championship glory. Schneider added:
“He’s a great player. But that aside, we have a great team and just an unbelievable cast of characters. I think things worked out the way they’re meant to work out.”