This weekend marks the inaugural Rivalry Weekend in Major League Baseball. According to the league, it aims to “highlight key geographical rivalries … with every team facing its designated rival, including 11 Interleague series and four non-Interleague matchups.”
While these matchups are centered around longstanding rivalries, this year’s games hold immediate significance, featuring teams that are currently grappling with their standings. Rivalry Weekend creates opportunities for bragging rights, but it also involves crucial games that impact the overall standings, showcasing some of the most compelling teams in baseball.
Here’s a rundown of the top five matchups for Rivalry Weekend, sponsored by Booking.com, based on team performance and current standings.
1. Mets-Yankees
This matchup possesses the expected intrigue of the Subway Series, heightened by Juan Soto’s first appearance at Yankee Stadium as a member of the Mets. Beyond the New York supremacy narrative, both teams are among the most captivating in MLB right now.
The Mets initially thrived due to remarkable individual performances, with Soto currently being the team’s third-best MVP candidate. However, they are aware of the Phillies closing in behind them in the NL East.
Meanwhile, the Yankees maintain first place and are experiencing what appears to be a record-setting season from Aaron Judge. Despite this, their lead over the Red Sox is narrower than it seems. Both teams are in fiercely competitive divisions where every win counts, making these matchups crucial.
2. Mariners-Padres
While geographically distant, this matchup is nonetheless intriguing. The Mariners look to be a more complete team than last season, led by Cal Raleigh, who exemplifies their exciting offense.
The Padres, featuring MVP candidate Fernando Tatis Jr., have a formidable lineup and one of the league’s top rotations. This matchup has the feel of a potential World Series preview, especially with both teams leaning into the rivalry by establishing the Vedder Cup in honor of Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder.
3. Braves-Red Sox
The Braves have made a comeback from a poor start and are regaining key players like Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr.. Both teams are currently teetering around .500, raising expectations for improved performance, yet they face tough competition in their respective divisions.
Despite geographical discrepancies, this rivalry once held significance when the Braves were based in Boston before shifting to Milwaukee and later Atlanta. The lingering history adds an interesting layer to this matchup.
4. Cardinals-Royals
Just a month ago, this matchup didn’t look promising as both teams struggled significantly. However, both the Cardinals and Royals have since turned their seasons around. The Royals have amassed the most wins in baseball since a certain date, while the Cardinals surprised everyone with a recent winning streak, creating an intriguing situation as they meet again.
5. A’s-Giants
Though this series may not be directly a Bay Area rivalry anymore, it still holds significance for Northern California. The A’s are having a surprising season, staying close to the top of their division, whereas the Giants have been one of the standout teams in the league as well. Although geographically further apart now, the stakes have never been higher for this matchup.
