MLB rivalries shape seasons, cities, and fan identities through decades of close games and cultural clashes. The strongest ones combine history, geography, and repeated high-stakes drama that still draws massive audiences. Vote for your favorites to rank them.
What counts: Best means most historic, intense, and culturally impactful rivalry with lasting fan engagement. Figures are approximate round numbers.
Yankees vs Red Sox▲ Rising
The Yankees-Red Sox feud dates to the early 1900s and exploded after the 2004 ALCS comeback. Boston's first title in 86 years and constant AL East battles cemented its place as the sport's marquee rivalry. Signature moments like the 1978 playoff game keep the intensity alive today.
First Matchup: 1901Rivalry Score: 10/10Total Games: 2,300Titles Combined: 40Ongoing: ✓
added by IJRin 2 rankings
Dodgers vs Giants▲ Rising
The rivalry began in New York in the 19th century and moved west with both clubs in 1958. West Coast relocation only sharpened the hatred through tight NL West races and multiple World Series clashes. Iconic moments include the 1951 playoff and the 2016 wild-card game.
First Matchup: 1889Rivalry Score: 9/10Total Games: 2,400Titles Combined: 17Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Yankees vs Mets
The Subway Series began in 1997 but draws on decades of New York baseball history. The 2000 World Series and regular interleague battles keep the crosstown tension high. Shared media market fuels constant comparison.
First Matchup: 1997Rivalry Score: 8/10Total Games: 120Titles Combined: 28Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Orioles vs Yankees▲ Rising
Baltimore and New York fought for AL East supremacy from the 1970s through the 1990s with multiple close pennant races. Cal Ripken and the 1996-1997 playoff series added lasting memories. The rivalry cooled but still sparks when both teams contend.
First Matchup: 1903Rivalry Score: 7/10Total Games: 2,100Titles Combined: 29Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
White Sox vs Cubs
Chicago's crosstown rivalry gained steam with interleague play and the 2005-2016 World Series appearances. The 2008 and 2016 seasons brought rare city-wide attention. Limited regular meetings keep the tension bottled.
First Matchup: 1997Rivalry Score: 7/10Total Games: 110Titles Combined: 5Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Cubs vs Cardinals▲ Rising
Chicago and St. Louis have battled since the 1880s with the rivalry peaking during the 1940s and again in the 2010s. The 2015-2016 NLCS and division races highlight the Midwest intensity. Both teams' loyal fanbases sustain the heat even in down years.
First Matchup: 1885Rivalry Score: 9/10Total Games: 2,300Titles Combined: 15Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Red Sox vs Rays▲ Rising
The modern AL East rivalry heated up in the 2000s as Tampa Bay challenged Boston's dominance. Multiple division races and the 2008 and 2021 playoff series created fresh animosity. Young Rays teams versus established Red Sox stars fueled the conflict.
First Matchup: 1998Rivalry Score: 7/10Total Games: 300Titles Combined: 4Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Twins vs White Sox
AL Central clashes in the 2000s featured close division races and the 2008 tiebreaker game. Both teams' Midwest roots sustain the rivalry during contention years. The intensity rises when either club challenges for the division.
First Matchup: 1901Rivalry Score: 6/10Total Games: 1,900Titles Combined: 6Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Phillies vs Mets
The rivalry intensified after both teams reached the playoffs in the 2000s with tight NL East races. The 2007-2008 division battles and documented fan incidents elevated the stakes. Both clubs' passionate supporters keep the edge sharp.
First Matchup: 1962Rivalry Score: 8/10Total Games: 900Titles Combined: 5Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Indians vs White Sox
AL Central battles in the 1990s and 2000s featured close races and memorable brawls. Both teams' blue-collar fanbases added edge to the matchups. The rivalry has cooled but still flares during contention.
First Matchup: 1901Rivalry Score: 6/10Total Games: 2,000Titles Combined: 4Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Padres vs Dodgers
San Diego and Los Angeles have clashed since the 1970s with the rivalry growing during the 2020s playoff runs. Recent NL West races and the 2020 NLDS series intensified the feud. Southern California bragging rights are at stake.
First Matchup: 1969Rivalry Score: 7/10Total Games: 700Titles Combined: 8Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Astros vs Rangers▲ Rising
Texas intrastate rivalry gained traction after Houston joined the AL and both clubs reached the playoffs. The 2010s AL West battles and 2023 ALCS series added new chapters. Shared state identity keeps local interest high.
First Matchup: 2013Rivalry Score: 6/10Total Games: 140Titles Combined: 2Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Blue Jays vs Yankees
The rivalry grew during Toronto's 1980s-1990s contention and the 2015-2016 playoff runs. Multiple division races and the 2015 ALDS series added chapters. Canadian fanbase adds unique flavor.
First Matchup: 1977Rivalry Score: 6/10Total Games: 600Titles Combined: 28Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Rockies vs Dodgers▼ Falling
The rivalry intensified in the 2010s with Colorado's brief contention and Los Angeles' dominance. High-altitude games and NL West races keep local interest. Limited national profile but strong regional tension.
First Matchup: 1993Rivalry Score: 5/10Total Games: 400Titles Combined: 8Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Tigers vs Indians
AL Central clashes in the 1990s and 2010s featured multiple division races. The 2013 tiebreaker and pitching duels added memorable moments. The rivalry remains relevant during rare contention years.
First Matchup: 1901Rivalry Score: 5/10Total Games: 1,900Titles Combined: 8Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Diamondbacks vs Giants▲ Rising
NL West clashes peaked during Arizona's 2001 World Series and San Francisco's 2010s titles. Multiple division races created lasting tension. The rivalry cools during down years but revives quickly.
First Matchup: 1998Rivalry Score: 5/10Total Games: 350Titles Combined: 6Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Athletics vs Giants
Bay Area interleague games since 1997 created a local rivalry that peaked during both teams' strong 2010s runs. The 2012-2014 World Series appearances added city-wide stakes. Limited meetings keep the rivalry bottled.
First Matchup: 1997Rivalry Score: 5/10Total Games: 100Titles Combined: 11Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Braves vs Mets▼ Falling
NL East clashes peaked in the 1990s with Atlanta's dynasty facing New York's resurgence. Multiple division races and the 1999 NLCS kept the rivalry alive. Recent Mets spending has renewed interest.
First Matchup: 1962Rivalry Score: 7/10Total Games: 850Titles Combined: 7Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Cardinals vs Astros
The rivalry grew after Houston joined the AL and both clubs reached the playoffs repeatedly. The 2004-2005 and 2010s NLCS/ALCS history created cross-league tension. Strong Cardinals fanbase keeps the memory alive.
First Matchup: 2004Rivalry Score: 6/10Total Games: 150Titles Combined: 9Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Mariners vs Angels
AL West battles in the 2000s featured Ichiro and the Angels' division titles. Multiple close races and the 2000s contention kept the rivalry relevant. West Coast timing limits national attention but local fans stay engaged.
First Matchup: 1977Rivalry Score: 5/10Total Games: 650Titles Combined: 1Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Nationals vs Phillies
The rivalry grew after Washington joined the NL and both clubs contended in the 2010s. The 2019 World Series run for the Nationals added edge. Recent division races keep the tension alive.
First Matchup: 2005Rivalry Score: 5/10Total Games: 200Titles Combined: 2Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Royals vs Cardinals
Missouri intrastate rivalry gained steam during both teams' 2010s World Series runs. The 2014-2015 seasons brought rare statewide attention. Limited meetings keep the rivalry focused on special occasions.
First Matchup: 1997Rivalry Score: 5/10Total Games: 110Titles Combined: 5Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Brewers vs Cubs▼ Falling
The rivalry gained steam after Milwaukee joined the NL and both clubs contended in the 2010s. The 2018 NLCS and multiple division races created lasting tension. Midwest location helps sustain fan interest.
First Matchup: 1998Rivalry Score: 6/10Total Games: 280Titles Combined: 3Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Pirates vs Reds▼ Falling
NL Central clashes peaked in the 1970s with multiple pennant races. The rivalry has cooled but still sparks during rare contention years. Long shared history in the Midwest keeps a baseline intensity.
First Matchup: 1882Rivalry Score: 5/10Total Games: 2,100Titles Combined: 10Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
Rangers vs Mariners
AL West battles in the 2000s and 2010s featured close races and the 2010s contention. Both teams' fanbases engage during rare competitive windows. The rivalry stays low-key outside of division fights.
First Matchup: 1977Rivalry Score: 4/10Total Games: 650Titles Combined: 1Ongoing: ✓
added by IJR
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Yankees vs Red Sox at the top is the correct call and I'll die on this hill.
Wild that Yankees vs Red Sox is winning this. Scroll down — the real answer is further down the board.
Missing a few names that belong in the top ten, but the top three is basically right.
Voted, but this order is going to look very different in a month once more people find it.
This is the most honest version of this ranking I've seen anywhere. The pros and cons are fair.