When Trey Yesavage, the 22‑year‑old right‑hander who has been shuttling between hotels all season, was called into John Schneider’s office on October 21, 2025, he had no idea he was about to become the second‑youngest World Series Game‑1 starter ever. The meeting, held at the Toronto Blue Jays’ headquarters, also included pitching coach Pete Walker. Schneider announced that Yesavage would take the mound Friday night at Rogers Centre against the defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
At 22 years and 88 days old, Yesavage trails only Ralph Branca—who was 21 years, 267 days old when he started Game 1 for the Dodgers in 1947. The decision shakes up the traditional Blue Jays rotation, spots a rookie with just three regular‑season starts and three playoff appearances on the biggest stage, and gives Toronto fans a story that reads like a movie script.
- Age: 22 years, 88 days – second‑youngest Game‑1 starter in history.
- Postseason performance: 5 1⁄3 innings, 11 strikeouts, no runs in ALDS Game 2.
- Regular‑season starts before WS: 3.
- Hotel rooms lived in during 2025: dozens, with belongings packed in a Toyota Tundra.
- World Series Game 1 date: Friday, October 25, 2025, 8:00 PM ET.
From Single‑A to the World Series Stage
Yesavage’s journey began in Single‑A Dunedin, Florida with the Dunedin Blue Jays. In just 12 months he vaulted through High‑A and Double‑A, racking up a 2.31 ERA and 142 strikeouts across 112 innings. By the time the regular season wrapped, the Blue Jays had promoted him to the big‑league staff for a trial run.
His first big‑league appearance on June 14, 2025, was a modest six‑scoreless‑out stint. The real breakout came in the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees. In Game 2, Yesavage delivered 5 1⁄3 innings of no‑hit baseball, fanning 11 batters while the Blue Jays surged to a 13‑7 win. A week later, he capped the ALCS with a 5 2⁄3‑inning win over the Seattle Mariners, earning the series‑clinching victory.
Baseball analysts note that his “electric” fastball, now clocking 96 mph, paired with a sinking two‑seam fastball, makes him a rare blend of power and ground‑ball ability. Former Blue Jays pitcher David Price told reporters, “He’s got the stuff to keep hitters off balance, especially in a high‑pressure environment.”
Game‑One Decision: Why Schneider Chose Yesavage
During the October 21 meeting, Schneider laid out the logic: the Dodgers’ lineup is stacked with power, and a right‑hander who can generate swing‑and‑miss early could disrupt their rhythm. “We needed a guy who isn’t scared of a big crowd and can throw his best stuff from the get‑go,” Schneider said.
Pete Walker added, “Trey’s poise in the ALDS showed he can handle the lights, the pressure, and the noise. That’s exactly what we need at home.” The coaching staff then reviewed video of Yesavage’s strikeout‑heavy innings, noting his ability to locate the low‑inside corner against left‑handed batters—an essential skill against Dodgers sluggers like Mookie Betts.
Dodgers left‑hander Blake Snell, slated to start Game 1 for Los Angeles, weighed in: “Maybe he’s pitched a lot of games that have prepared him for it. I know he’s been doing good with the playoffs. He’s facing a Dodgers lineup that’s really good. How is he going to react? There’s so many questions.”
Living Out of Hotels: The Logistics of a Rookie
Yesavage’s off‑field life is a whirlwind of hotel keys and a battered Toyota Tundra. He told the Daily Hive on October 23, “You should see my truck right now. It looks like a mobile home.”
Since the season began, he’s called five different cities home—Dunedin, Clearwater, Buffalo, Norfolk, and now Toronto—shifting between dozens of hotel rooms as he moved up the minors. The constant packing and unpacking have taken a mental toll, but teammates say it’s forged resilience. “He’s used to sleeping on a couch in a different city every night; the stadium feels like home now,” said veteran catcher Danny Jansen.
The Blue Jays front office has tried to ease the strain, arranging a short‑term lease near the stadium for the postseason. Yet, with the World Series in full swing, Yesavage still plans to keep his truck parked outside his hotel, citing the familiarity of his personal gear.
What the Matchup Means for Toronto and Los Angeles
For the Blue Jays, a win in Game 1 could set the tone for a seven‑game series against a Dodgers squad that boasts a league‑best .274 team batting average. Toronto’s ace Kevin Gausman, who threw a pivotal relief inning in the ALCS, will be fully rested for a subsequent start, giving the Jays a deep rotation.
Analysts at MLB.com project that if Yesavage can repeat his 11‑strikeout performance, the Dodgers will be forced into early bullpen usage, potentially shifting the series dynamic. Conversely, if the Dodgers’ hitters get a read on his fastball, they could pile on runs and put Toronto on the back foot.
The larger narrative is about youth versus experience. The Blue Jays are betting on a 22‑year‑old who has never pitched a full regular‑season game, while the Dodgers lean on seasoned arms like Snell and right‑hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The clash highlights a shift in baseball strategy: teams increasingly trust high‑impact rookies in pressure situations.
Looking Ahead: The Blue Jays’ Road After Game One
If Yesavage delivers a solid outing, Schneider hinted that the team will keep the rookie in the rotation for at least the next two games, giving Gausman a turn on short rest if needed. “We’ll evaluate after the first start and see who’s best positioned for the next matchup,” Schneider said on October 23.
Regardless of the result, Yesavage’s story—traveling in a truck, sleeping in hotel rooms, and stepping onto a World Series mound—captures the unpredictable nature of baseball’s talent pipeline. The next few days will reveal whether his rapid rise is a flash‑in‑the‑pan or the start of a new era for Toronto pitching.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Yesavage’s age compare to other World Series starters?
At 22 years, 88 days, Yesavage is the second‑youngest pitcher ever to start Game 1 of a World Series. The only younger starter was Ralph Branca, who was 21 years, 267 days old in 1947. The gap underscores how rare such early trust is in modern baseball.
What impact could his hotel‑hopping lifestyle have on his performance?
Constant travel can disrupt routine, but it also builds mental toughness. Teammates say Yesavage’s ability to adapt has made him resilient under pressure. Analysts note that his focus on the mound seems unaffected, though fatigue could become a factor if the series drags on.
Who are the key opponents Yesavage will face in the Dodgers lineup?
The Dodgers line‑up features slugger Mookie Betts, power hitter Freddie Freeman, and rising star Will Smith. All three have posted OPS above .900 this season, making them the most dangerous threats Yesavage must navigate.
What does a strong performance by Yesavage mean for the Blue Jays’ rotation?
A solid start would give manager John Schneider flexibility to keep Yesavage in the rotation for at least the next two games, potentially allowing ace Kevin Gausman to rest or pitch on short rest. It could also boost the team’s morale and put pressure on the Dodgers to adjust early.
When is the next Game 2 starter expected to be announced?
Blue Jays officials indicated on October 23 that the Game 2 starter will be named later that day, likely after reviewing Yesavage’s Game 1 performance and the Dodgers’ pitching plan.
