The Toronto Blue Jays wrapped up a mostly successful first two games of the 2025 World Series at home. The Jays got a split, as the series heads back to Los Angeles for the next three games. So, the hometown advantage would now be on the Los Angeles Dodgers’ side, right?
Well, not necessarily. According to data by betonline.ag, an overwhelming majority is on the Blue Jays’ side. The data shows that 92% of the United States cheer for the Blue Jays instead of the Dodgers.
This data is quite revealing, especially since it’s been over three decades since Canada’s only MLB club played in the Fall Classic.
The data compiled keyword phrases suggesting support for one team or another online and on social media. For instance, tags such as “I’m rooting for the Blue Jays” or #BlueJaysNation show that all but three states support the Blue Jays.
Unsurprisingly, California supports the Dodgers. Additionally, three other states show numbers supporting the Dodgers: Utah, Hawaii, and Nevada.
That’s it.
The remainder of US states, including Alaska, have rallied behind the Blue Jays. Check out the following map to get a visual of the vast support the Blue Jays have in the US.
The geotagged data and hashtags say it all. Toronto, a Cinderella team of sorts this season, has captured the attention of American fans. But there’s one powerful, underlying reason why American fans would root for the Jays.
Blue Jays Facing the “Evil Empire”
The term “Evil Empire,” as borrowed from the Star Wars franchise, was initially used to refer to the New York Yankees during their three-peat in the late 90s and early 2000s. The Yankees of that era were so dominant that few teams had a chance to unseat them.
The team also caught on when referring to teams with the financial resources to dwarf so-called small-market teams.
However, the term has shifted in recent years. Most fans no longer consider the Yankees the Evil Empire. That designation has now carried over to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers, and the use of their financial wherewithal, have seemingly co-opted the free agent market.
The Dodgers currently have a payroll over $350 million, according to Spotrac. In contrast, the Blue Jays’ payroll is roughly $242 million. That’s a difference of over $100 million. And it’s perhaps the biggest reason why fans view the Dodgers as the Evil Empire. That situation puts the Blue Jays in a sort of David-and-Goliath matchup.
Toronto Could Unseat the Evil Empire
The Blue Jays have not had an easy road this postseason. They beat the Yankees in the ALDS and survived a seven-game ALCS against the Seattle Mariners. Now, the face the Dodgers, who steamrolled the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS.
That situation puts Toronto in a unique position to unseat the Empire and defend World Series champs. While the Dodgers don’t look as dominant as they have over the last few seasons, they are a great ballclub, nonetheless.
A Blue Jays’ win, while certainly incredible for the team’s fan base, would also quell the outcry regarding disparity in the league.
Game 3 will take place on Monday night, with the Jays looking to take a 2-1 series lead. The Dodgers, meanwhile, will be looking to ride Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s gem to the series lead. Whatever ultimately happens, the 2025 World Series will be one not soon forgotten.
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