Fall Classic’s biggest stars gush about each other ahead of Game 1

LOS ANGELES — When the Dodgers and Yankees take the field for Game 1 of the World Series on Friday, all of their focus will be on trying to be the first team that wins four games in one of the most anticipated editions of the Fall Classic in recent memory.

In the end, four of the best players in the world can appreciate each other’s greatness.

“Like I said, he’s the best player in the game, and he didn’t even pitch this year,” Judge said about Ohtani. “It was definitely fun to watch him do his thing. We’re all competing. We’re all trying to go out there and be our best. I just always root for good baseball when I’m watching those guys play.”

“He’s a great player. Unbelievable player,” Soto added about Ohtani. “He’s one of the best players in the league right now. He’s an elite player. What he does is just incredible. He just surprises everybody every year, every day, whenever he steps between those lines. Really, really respect his game and the way he handles himself.”

“I’m not as tall as him, but I can relate to the fact that being a taller, bigger player, your strike zone is going to be naturally bigger,” Ohtani said via interpreter Will Ireton. “For him to post a high batting average, he has to be very efficient with what he does. So I’m very impressed at how he’s been able to do both, which is hit for average and hit for power.”

Ohtani and Judge are the headliners of the series, but Soto and Betts are also nothing short of spectacular on the field. Soto and Betts have had a couple of moments on the field, expressing their mutual respect. In a game last season between the Dodgers and Padres, Betts jokingly asked Soto if he can “have his eyes,” alluding to his elite plate discipline.

“They’re able to do everything on the field,” Betts said of the Yankees’ two superstars. “When you have players like them that can do everything, it’s going to be hard to beat. That’s what makes it fun. That’s what makes it a World Series.”

“They are incredible,” Soto added of the Dodgers’ superstars — Ohtani, Betts and first baseman Freddie Freeman. “Three former MVPs. They’ve been there. They’ve been on the big stage. They’ve been showing that they can do it. They are really good players. They are great people, too, because I’ve gotten to chat a little bit with them. Really excited to play against them.”

Baseball is unlike most team sports. Soto, Ohtani, Judge and Betts won’t be directly competing against each other. They won’t have any one-on-one matchups like in football or basketball. But the four biggest stars of the game will have their imprint all over this Fall Classic.

In two cities that specialize in showcasing some of the biggest stars of the world, fans everywhere will get a chance to witness this one. These four will also be among the ones that enjoy the show.

“They’re obviously a good club, we obviously are, too,” Betts said. “I think the world wanted to see this. It’s going to be fun. It’s good for baseball. It’ll be a lot of fun.”