From May 16 - 18, 2025, Major League Baseball will debut its first-ever Rivalry Weekend - a blockbuster three-day stretch packed with some of the most intense and historic matchups in the game. Across the league, old grudges will be reignited as 15 pairs of rivals go head-to-head in a new, fan-first fixture designed to spotlight the best of interleague and regional baseball.
Few rivalries draw as much attention as the Subway Series, and this year’s clash between the Mets and Yankees at Yankee Stadium is especially charged. Juan Soto returns to the Bronx for the first time in Mets colours, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown you won’t want to miss.
With 15 rivalry series packed into one weekend, there’s no shortage of drama. But a few matchups stand out:
The headline act. Juan Soto returns to Yankee Stadium for the first time since signing with the Mets in the offseason, setting the stage for a fierce atmosphere in the Bronx. Expect sell-out crowds, national attention, and plenty of emotion on both sides.
One to watch for late-inning fireworks and potential long-ball props.
Shohei Ohtani now wears Dodger blue, and he’ll be facing his former club for the first time this season. He homered in both games against the Angels last year, and the spotlight will be squarely on him again.
Massive appeal for fans and casual bettors alike.
Chicago’s rivalry is as gritty as it gets. The Cubs have dominated recent meetings, but the White Sox still lead the all-time series. A battle for city bragging rights and pride.
It could be one of the more evenly matched series of the weekend.
A rematch of the 2023 ALCS, this in-state showdown always brings the heat. Texas edged Houston in that series, and both sides will want to prove they’re still the team to beat in the AL West.
Expect high intensity and potentially high scores.
Cardinals vs. Royals: Classic I-70 rivalry with decades of history.
Guardians vs. Reds: The Ohio Cup continues with a fresh edge.
Phillies vs. Pirates: One of MLB’s oldest head-to-heads.
MLB’s Rivalry Weekend isn’t just a fun addition to the calendar - it’s a smart reimagining of how to bring the best out of the regular season. By packing 15 of the league’s most intense matchups into one weekend, the league creates something that feels a little like October in May.
For players, it’s a chance to make a statement early in the year.. For fans, it’s three days of emotionally charged baseball with bragging rights on the line.
And for New Yorkers, there’s an extra layer. The Subway Series is no longer just a media frenzy - with six games now on the schedule, including this headliner weekend, it carries real weight in the standings and the city.
Rivalry Weekend isn’t just a feast for fans, it’s also one of the most intriguing betting slates of the early season, with great opportunities across moneylines, over under betting, and player-focused prop markets.
Juan Soto’s first trip back to the Bronx in a Mets uniform guarantees headlines and run-scoring potential. Both lineups have plenty of power, and recent series between these two have leaned toward the over.
Over 8.5 total runs - recent form and emotional energy could push scoring above average.
If the Yankees start a lefty, look to the Mets First 5 Innings Moneyline - their right-handed core matches up well early.
Juan Soto HR props will be a popular prop betting angle, especially if he’s facing a fastball-heavy pitcher.
Shohei Ohtani’s matchup with his former team has everything: a narrative, a crowd reaction, and a mismatch. The Angels' bullpen remains unreliable, and the Dodgers lineup doesn’t let up.
Dodgers -1.5 run line, especially if the Angels don’t open with their ace.
Ohtani props will be heavily backed - Over 1.5 Total Bases or To Hit a Home Run are both live options.
Watch the Dodgers Team Total market - Over 4.5 runs is a strong lean if the wind’s right.
This all-Chicago series has seen tighter games than expected. While the Cubs are favorites, the White Sox often play them close.
White Sox +1.5 run line - the Sox can lose by one or win outright and you still cash.
Both lineups struggle early - First 5 Innings Under 4.5 is a decent angle if starters are in form.
Consider a small live bet if one team jumps ahead early - comebacks are common in rivalry games like this.
Still simmering from last year’s postseason, this one should be physical and high energy. Houston has the edge at home, but Texas’s bats make the over very attractive.
Over 9 total runs - both lineups can punish even minor pitching mistakes.
Both Teams to Score 4+ Runs is a sharp alternative if you want action without picking a side.
If you trust the Astros’ home field record, moneyline under -140 is fair value.
Reds vs. Guardians - The Reds have a good recent record in this matchup. If you see Cincinnati at +120 or better, they’re worth considering on the moneyline.
Royals vs. Cardinals - Kansas City keeps things close at home. +1.5 run line gives you protection in a one-run loss.
MLB Rivalry Weekend 2025 brings high-stakes matchups, heated rivalries, and a packed schedule of must-watch games. From the electric atmosphere of the Subway Series to storylines like Ohtani vs. the Angels, there’s drama across every series.
If you're planning to place a bet, this weekend offers prime opportunities - just be sure to compare odds and explore offers from the best MLB sportsbooks in New York before you do.
BetMGM Sportsbook is especially worth a look if you're new to betting or looking for value beyond a single wager. It consistently ranks well thanks to a strong welcome bonus and some of the best ongoing promos for existing customers, including parlay insurance, odds boosts, and reward incentives that carry week to week.
