Dodgers’ Joe Kelly asserts that the World Series against the Yankees was “a mismatch from the get-go.” Despite not pitching during the 2024 postseason, Kelly didn’t hold back when discussing the Yankees’ performance that ultimately fell short against his team.
“We were saying every single game, ‘Just let them throw the ball to the infield. They can’t make a play,'” Kelly remarked on a recent episode of his “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast. He highlighted a specific instance where Shohei Ohtani advanced to third base following a misplay by Gleyber Torres, emphasizing that the Dodgers were keenly aware of the Yankees’ defensive vulnerabilities.
Kelly pointed to a pivotal mistake during the eighth inning of Game 1. With the Yankees ahead 2-1, Ohtani hit a double, and Torres mishandled a throw from Juan Soto, allowing Ohtani to reach third base. This miscue contributed to Ohtani scoring the tying run, leading to extra innings and ultimately setting the stage for Freddie Freeman’s dramatic walk-off grand slam.
However, it was Game 5 that truly showcased the Yankees’ struggles. Leading 5-0, the Yankees needed a win to extend the series, but three errors allowed the Dodgers to score five unearned runs in the fifth inning against Gerrit Cole. A dropped fly ball by Aaron Judge, a misthrow by Anthony Volpe, and a communication breakdown between Cole and Anthony Rizzo all contributed to the Yankees’ downfall, culminating in a 7-6 loss that clinched the series for the Dodgers.
A report from the New York Post suggested that the Dodgers’ scouting strategy centered around exploiting the Yankees’ perceived reliance on talent over fundamentals. Kelly echoed this sentiment, stating, “It was a fun series, they almost snagged a couple of wins,” but he firmly believed the Dodgers had the upper hand from the start. He suggested that if the playoff teams were re-ranked, the Yankees might not even place in the top half.
Kelly compared the series to the dominant 2018 Red Sox team he played on, which also faced the Dodgers. He noted that while the Red Sox were heavy favorites, the 2024 matchup was viewed as more even, yet the Dodgers still emerged victorious. “All we knew is we just had to play regular Dodger baseball,” he said, emphasizing the importance of sticking to their game plan.
He further highlighted the caliber of talent within the Dodgers’ roster, stating, “We have a lot of big superstars in our clubhouse, but the superstars also care and aren’t lazy and play hard.” This dedication, he believes, sets the Dodgers apart from their competitors.
As a free agent after signing a one-year deal to return to the Dodgers, Kelly’s influence on the team dynamic is notable. His efforts to recruit Ohtani to Los Angeles, including giving up his jersey number, reflect a commitment to building a strong roster.
