David Ortiz Makes World Series Pick After Red Sox’s Playoff Exit

David Ortiz couldn’t make a homer prediction to start Fox’s MLB postseason coverage.

Saturday was a long day on set for Big Papi, who endured ribbing after the New York Yankees eliminated the Boston Red Sox in the American League Wild Card Series. Unsurprisingly, Yankees icons Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez each picked their former team to win the World Series.

Former pitcher Dontrelle Willis predicted the same outcome as last year, forecasting the Los Angeles Dodgers to defeat the Yankees. Ortiz instead took the Dodgers over the Seattle Mariners after a dig from A-Rod.

“The American League’s loaded with really good teams,” Ortiz said.

“Red Sox?” Rodriguez interrupted.

“That’s fine. We’ll catch up next year,” Ortiz replied. “I got to tell you, the Mariners are looking really good. But I think that you’re gonna stay blue. Dodgers over Mariners.”

The Dodgers validated Ortiz’s choice, overcoming a 3-0 deficit to begin the National League Division Series with a Game 1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies. While the reigning champions didn’t meet superteam expectations by only winning 93 games this season, they may be peaking at the perfect time with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki all healthy and pitching well.

Seattle, on the other hand, began its postseason with a 3-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers in 11 innings. The Mariners must go through Tarik Skubal to avoid a 2-0 series hole on Sunday night.

Rodriguez had more fun at Ortiz’s expense over Boston’s playoff elimination. The former MVP opened the show by gifting his co-worker a Wally the Green Monster head, only to toss it behind him onto the floor.

Ortiz got his payback later in the evening by bellowing, “Daaaaa Yankees lose” after the Toronto Blue Jays began their best-of-five series with a 10-1 victory over New York.