The Los Angeles Dodgers are officially back-to-back World Series champions, outlasting the Toronto Blue Jays in a dramatic extra-innings Game 7. The Dodgers trailed early after a three-run home run by Bo Bichette, but late-game heroics defined the night. Down to their final outs, Miguel Rojas launched a stunning game-tying home run in the ninth, setting up Will Smith’s decisive blast in the 11th that ultimately sealed a 5-4 Dodgers victory. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was sensational throughout the series, earning three wins and closing out Game 7 with a clutch double play. According to MLB.com and Sportsnet, the Dodgers became the first team in 25 years to win consecutive World Series titles, adding another chapter to their modern dynasty.

With the World Series now in the rearview, the offseason market is already heating up. The Seattle Mariners made a significant splash by re-signing All-Star Josh Naylor to a five-year deal, marking one of the first major moves of the winter cycle. The San Diego Padres kept their pitching staff stable by signing reliever Hart to a one-year contract with an option for 2027, while the Los Angeles Dodgers took a lower-profile step by acquiring minor league infielder Gough from the Mariners.

Around the league, teams are currently finalizing their 40-man rosters ahead of the Rule 5 draft protection deadline, which has spurred a series of waivers, claims, and minor trades. Key organizational decisions about roster construction are happening across all 30 clubs, and anticipation is building for additional blockbuster deals as the trade market begins to develop.

MVP and awards season has wrapped up, with Shohei Ohtani making history as a four-time unanimous MVP selection. Manager honors went to Stephen Vogt in the American League and Sean Murphy in the National League after leading their respective clubs to outstanding seasons.

On the injury front, Dodgers infielder Tommy Edman is scheduled for ankle surgery next week, while San Diego’s Yu Darvish will miss the upcoming season due to UCL surgery. Teams such as the Cubs are expressing a strong appetite for adding pitching, with active pursuits expected in the free agent and trade markets.

Off the field, MLB officials are facing pressure as Congress demands answers regarding a recent betting scandal, and the league continues to confront challenges in relation to the Tyler Skaggs court case. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Rays confirmed they will return to Tropicana Field in 2026 after planned stadium repairs.

Notably, former stars Cole Hamels, Ryan Braun, and Matt Kemp are among 12 new candidates added to the upcoming Hall of Fame ballot. The Padres are considering all options, including a possible sale of the team, as organizational direction remains uncertain.

With the international front, Team USA announced the addition of top prospects Pete Crow-Armstrong and Corbin Carroll for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Finally, looking ahead, fans are gearing up for baseball’s annual Winter Meetings and the Rule 5 draft, where more significant trades and free agent signings are expected to shape the landscape for the 2026 season.

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