As the 2024 World Series approaches, anticipation is mounting for an epic showdown between two of the sport’s most storied franchises: the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. While much of the focus has been on their star-studded rosters, equally intriguing is how both teams have fared in their respective ballparks and on the road this season. With the Dodgers owning a formidable 52-29 record at Dodger Stadium and the Yankees thriving with a 50-31 mark on the road, there’s a lot to unpack in terms of what gives each team the edge heading into the Fall Classic.

At home, the Dodgers' pitching staff flourished, as evidenced by a league-leading ERA of 2.90 in their own ballpark. Their offense, anchored by Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, also took full advantage of familiar surroundings, ranking in the top five in home runs and extra-base hits. Betts, in particular, shined at Dodger Stadium, belting 22 home runs at home this year, proving once again that he’s as comfortable hitting in Los Angeles as he was in Boston during his MVP years.

At home, the Dodgers' pitching staff flourished, as evidenced by a league-leading ERA of 2.90 in their own ballpark. Their offense, anchored by Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman, also took full advantage of familiar surroundings, ranking in the top five in home runs and extra-base hits. Betts, in particular, shined at Dodger Stadium, belting 22 home runs at home this year, proving once again that he’s as comfortable hitting in Los Angeles as he was in Boston during his MVP years.

​The Dodgers’ strong bullpen, headlined by Evan Phillips and Brusdar Graterol, has also been a crucial component of their success. By protecting leads late in games, the Dodgers often turned Dodger Stadium into a fortress that opposing teams found nearly impenetrable..

On the flip side, the Yankees may not have had as impressive of a home record—finishing 44-37 at Yankee Stadium—but they have been absolute road warriors in 2024. Their 50-31 record away from the Bronx tells the story of a team that can win under pressure, no matter the environment.

Led by the unstoppable force that is Aaron Judge and midseason acquisition Juan Soto, the Yankees have found success in hostile stadiums across the league. Judge once again displayed why he’s considered one of the game’s most clutch hitters, belting 25 home runs on the road, while Soto’s ability to reach base at an elite rate (.421 OBP) has provided crucial support for the Yankees' lineup.

​One of the more interesting factors contributing to the Yankees’ road success has been the performance of their pitching staff. Gerrit Cole, in particular, has been brilliant when away from Yankee Stadium. Cole posted a 2.65 ERA on the road this season, continuing his reputation as a big-game pitcher who thrives under pressure. Cole’s ability to dominate on the mound has given the Yankees an edge in away games, where he often silenced opposing lineups and neutralized hostile crowds.

As the 2024 World Series looms, the focus shifts not just to how these teams perform in general but to how key players from each roster fare when playing in the opposition’s ballpark. Let’s take a look at some notable head-to-head statistics for stars like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Gerrit Cole when playing away from home.

Shohei Ohtani at Yankee Stadium
Though now a member of the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani has had several trips to Yankee Stadium during his time with the Angels, and he’s certainly left his mark. Ohtani’s ability to thrive under pressure is well documented, and his numbers at Yankee Stadium are no exception. Over his career, Ohtani has slashed .300/.385/.670 in the Bronx, with 8 home runs in just 17 games. Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch has been a perfect target for his powerful left-handed swing, making him a significant threat in this series.

Juan Soto at Dodger Stadium
Having faced the Dodgers often during his tenure in the National League, Juan Soto has a strong track record at Dodger Stadium. Soto has hit .290 with a .420 OBP and 5 home runs in his career when playing in Los Angeles. His patient approach at the plate fits well in a park like Dodger Stadium, where disciplined hitters who can avoid chasing pitches tend to thrive. Soto’s ability to reach base and work deep counts will be vital if the Yankees want to neutralize the Dodgers' elite pitching.

Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman at Yankee Stadium
For Mookie Betts, Yankee Stadium has been an interesting venue. While Betts has historically excelled in many ballparks, his numbers at Yankee Stadium are solid but not spectacular. Over his career, Betts has hit .270 with 4 home runs in 20 games in the Bronx. It’s respectable, but not quite as dominant as his home numbers in Dodger Stadium.

Freddie Freeman, on the other hand, has fared much better in Yankee Stadium. The left-handed slugger has hit .310 in the Bronx, including 6 home runs over the course of his career. Freeman’s swing plays well in the cozy confines of Yankee Stadium, where his ability to drive the ball to the opposite field can take full advantage of the park’s dimensions.

Gerrit Cole at Dodger Stadium
Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ ace, has had limited appearances at Dodger Stadium but has pitched effectively when called upon. In 3 career starts at Dodger Stadium, Cole has posted a 2.85 ERA and has struck out 25 batters in just 19 innings of work. While Dodger Stadium is known to be a pitcher-friendly park, Cole’s mastery of the strike zone and ability to limit home runs makes him a dangerous weapon for the Yankees in Los Angeles.

When examining the home run potential for both teams, the dimensions of Yankee Stadium and Dodger Stadium come into sharp focus. Yankee Stadium is infamous for its short right-field porch, measuring just 314 feet down the right field line. This makes it an ideal park for left-handed sluggers or right-handed batters who can pull the ball, making it much easier to drive the ball out of the park. Players like Juan Soto and Freddie Freeman could benefit tremendously from these dimensions, with Freeman particularly being a left-handed power threat.

In contrast, Dodger Stadium is more neutral when it comes to home run dimensions, with its left field line measuring 330 feet and right field at 330 feet as well. However, with the dry, warm California air, the ball tends to carry well, especially during night games. Power hitters like Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani have the raw strength to clear Dodger Stadium’s deeper outfield fences. Judge’s ability to hit towering home runs means that the dimensions of Dodger Stadium, although not as favorable as Yankee Stadium, won’t be much of a hindrance.

​In terms of who has the edge, Freddie Freeman and Juan Soto are most likely to take advantage of Yankee Stadium’s short right field due to their left-handed power swings. On the flip side, Aaron Judge has shown that no stadium dimensions can hold him back, and his power will play at any ballpark, especially at Dodger Stadium where the ball carries better.

Given their road success in 2024 and the track record of their key players, the Yankees seem to have a slight edge when it comes to performing in tough road environments. Their 50-31 road record speaks to a team that thrives under pressure and finds ways to win in hostile environments. Players like Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, and Gerrit Cole have consistently shown that they can deliver in opposing stadiums, and that trend is likely to continue in the World Series.

However, the Dodgers’ 52-29 home record cannot be ignored. Playing in Dodger Stadium has been a massive advantage for Los Angeles, where their deep pitching staff and explosive offense shine brightest. Stars like Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman have also proven that they can perform on the road, so don’t count out the Dodgers’ ability to steal games in Yankee Stadium.

​Ultimately, the edge in this series may come down to who can execute better in high-leverage situations. Both teams are evenly matched, but if the Yankees can continue their dominance on the road, they may just walk away with their 28th World Series title.