MLB Rivalry Weekend 2025
Baseball
There’s nothing quite like baseball when emotions are running high and bragging rights are on the line. That’s exactly what MLB Rivalry Weekend delivers a fiery, drama-filled stretch of games that brings the game’s most passionate showdowns to center stage.
From May 16-18, 2025, fans can expect 11 Interleague rivalries and 4 intra-league battles, each packed with history, regional pride, and playoff implications.
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What is MLB Rivalry Week and Why Does It Matter?
MLB Rivalry Week is a specially curated part of the schedule when baseball’s fiercest and most iconic matchups take place. It’s not just about standings, it’s about city pride, historic grudges, and the kind of drama that only baseball can deliver.
These aren’t just games; they’re emotional battlegrounds. Whether it’s the Subway Series in New York or the Freeway Series in Los Angeles, Rivalry Week taps into something deeper than the scoreboard. It’s a celebration of history and a spark for future legends.
Must-Watch Matchups: Rivalry Weekend 2025
Here are five of the most anticipated matchups from the inaugural Rivalry Weekend:
Astros at Rangers: Lone Star State Showdown
Series opener: Thursday at 8:05 p.m. ET
The Silver Boot Series reached new levels of animosity after the Rangers bested the Astros in the 2023 ALCS. Now, the defending champs host Houston in a battle that could shape the AL West race. Expect fireworks on and off the field, especially with both teams still jockeying for postseason positioning.
White Sox at Cubs: Chicago’s Classic Clash
Series opener: Friday at 2:20 p.m. ET
The Crosstown Classic never fails to entertain. The Cubs have had the upper hand lately, sweeping last year’s series, but the White Sox still lead the all-time count. With both teams rebuilding and fighting for respect, expect scrappy baseball at Wrigley Field, and a crowd that lives and breathes every pitch.
Mets at Yankees: The Soto Showdown in the Bronx
Series opener: Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET
Few rivalries are as electric as the Subway Series, and this year’s installment carries extra juice. Juan Soto makes his highly anticipated return to Yankee Stadium, but this time in Mets blue and orange. After inking a jaw-dropping 15-year, $765 million deal in the offseason, all eyes will be on Soto as he seeks his first win against his former crosstown rivals. The Yankees will look to reassert dominance and spoil Soto’s homecoming.
Mariners at Padres: The Inaugural “Vedder Cup”
Series opener: Friday at 9:40 p.m. ET
Named in honor of Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, who once lived in both Seattle and San Diego, the Vedder Cup is now official. A custom guitar trophy and exclusive merchandise await fans, but the real prize is victory in one of the weekend’s most unique matchups. With the all-time series tilted in the Mariners’ favor, the Padres have a shot to shift the balance.
Angels at Dodgers: Ohtani’s LA Face-Off
Series opener: Friday at 10:10 p.m. ET
Shohei Ohtani takes on his former team in another thrilling chapter of the Freeway Series. The two-way phenom torched the Angels last season after joining the Dodgers and will look to do so again. While the Angels managed to hold their own in 2024, the reigning champion Dodgers are primed to make a statement at home.
Why These Games Matter Most?
Beyond the stats and standings, these matchups embody the essence of Rivalry Weekend. You’ve got:
Stars with something to prove: Juan Soto facing his old crowd. Shohei Ohtani reminding the Angels what they lost.
Trophy matchups: The Vedder Cup brings a fun and cultural flair to the diamond.
Grudges renewed: Astros-Rangers and White Sox-Cubs aren’t just rivalries, they’re outright wars.
These games will be played with playoff-level intensity, as players know these wins mean more. They define the season, the headlines, and the conversations.
Star Players to Watch During Rivalry Week
Juan Soto (Mets): All eyes are on his Bronx return. Can he rise above the pressure and deliver a statement?
Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers): His bat remains elite, and he’ll be aiming to silence his former fans.
Corey Seager (Rangers): After a stellar postseason, he’ll look to lead the charge against Houston once more.
Julio Rodríguez (Mariners): The charismatic outfielder could make this first Vedder Cup unforgettable.
Predictions: Who Will Dominate Rivalry Week 2025?
Subway Series: Mets take 2 of 3, Soto has his moment, but the Yankees’ bullpen keeps it close.
Freeway Series: Dodgers sweep, Ohtani delivers a homer in every game.
Crosstown Classic: Cubs win the series, but the White Sox avoid a sweep with late-inning heroics.
Silver Boot Series: Rangers take the opener but Astros win the series too much depth in Houston’s lineup.
Vedder Cup: Padres win the first official cup in extra innings on Sunday, powered by a Machado walk-off.
Bet on the Drama only at Betco.ag
Place your bets now and ride the intensity of baseball’s most dramatic weekend. Betco.ag is your go-to sportsbook for MLB Rivalry Weekend.
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