Best MLB rivalries: How to get tickets for the biggest baseball series

Few things in sports match the intensity of a great baseball rivalry. When historic opponents meet on the diamond, every pitch feels bigger and every series can shift the entire season. From coast-to-coast clashes to heated divisional battles, MLB rivalries bring playoff energy to the regular season.

The 2026 baseball season features some of the sport’s most iconic matchups, including the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants. These series draw massive crowds, national attention and unforgettable moments year after year.

MLB’s biggest rivalries that you need to see in person

Rivalry games are where baseball history is made. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or planning your first MLB game, these rivalry series are some of the most exciting tickets of the season. Here’s a look at the biggest baseball rivalries to watch in 2026, plus key dates, venues and how to secure tickets on SeatGeek.

New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox

The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox rivalry is widely considered the most famous rivalry in baseball. Dating back more than a century, the matchup has produced legendary players, historic postseason battles and some of the most electric atmospheres in sports.

In 2026, the rivalry continues with several marquee series: The Red Sox host the Yankees at Fenway Park April 21-23 and June 25-28 and venture to their rival's home park at New York's Yankee Stadium June 5–7 and August 28-30.

Both teams are aiming to stay competitive in the always-tough American League East, and every Yankees–Red Sox series carries major playoff implications. The energy at Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium is unmatched when these longtime rivals meet.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants

Few rivalries in professional sports have the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Francisco Giants. The feud began in New York in the late 1800s before both teams moved to California, where the rivalry only intensified.

The Dodgers and Giants will meet multiple times throughout the 2026 season at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles (May 11-14 and September 18-20) and Oracle Park in San Francisco (April 21-23 and September 25-27). These matchups often play a crucial role in the National League West race.

Both franchises continue to field star-powered rosters, and recent seasons have featured tight division battles and playoff implications. When the Dodgers and Giants face off, fans can expect tense NL West showdowns and plenty of drama from first pitch to final out.

Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals rivalry is one of the oldest and most respected rivalries in Major League Baseball. For more than a century, these National League Central opponents have battled for division titles and bragging rights across the Midwest.

Some of the biggest matchups of the 2026 season take place at Wrigley Field in Chicago on July 3-5 and August 14-16, when the Cubs host the Cardinals. The rivals will also face off at Busch Stadium in St. Louis May 29-31 and July 27-30.

Both teams continue to build competitive rosters with a mix of young stars and veteran leadership. The atmosphere at Wrigley Field and Busch Stadium is always electric when these teams meet, with fans traveling across state lines to support their clubs.

New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies

The rivalry between the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies has grown increasingly intense in recent years. With both teams competing for the top spot in the National League East, every series between these clubs carries serious postseason implications.

The teams will meet several times during the 2026 season: June 18/20-21 and July 16/18-19 at Citizens Bank Park in Philly, and then June 26-28 and September 17-20 at New York's Citi Field.

Expect loud crowds, heated moments and high-stakes baseball whenever these teams share the field. Mets vs. Phillies games have quickly become some of the most exciting matchups in the National League.

Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers

The Houston Astros vs. Texas Rangers rivalry has become one of the most compelling matchups in the American League. The two Texas teams have faced off in intense divisional races and postseason battles in recent years, adding even more fuel to the rivalry.

From May 15–17 and July 10-11, the Rangers will travel to Houston for two highly anticipated series at Daikin Park. The Astros will head to Arlington's Globe Life Field for games May 25-28 and July 31-August 2.

With powerhouse lineups and strong pitching staffs on both sides, Astros vs. Rangers games often feature dramatic swings in momentum and playoff-level intensity.

How to get MLB rivalry tickets on SeatGeek

Planning to attend one of MLB's biggest rivalry games? Here’s how to secure your seats on SeatGeek:

1. Search your matchup – Head to SeatGeek and search for the rivalry game you want to attend, like Yankees vs. Red Sox or Dodgers vs. Giants.

2. Use the interactive seat map – Explore the stadium layout to compare views from different sections and price points.

3. Check Deal Scores – SeatGeek’s Deal Score feature highlights the best ticket values so you can quickly spot great seats at a great price.

4. Select your seats and checkout – Once you’ve found the perfect view, lock in your tickets securely through SeatGeek.

Rivalry matchups deliver unforgettable moments for fans, and their intensity helps make them some of the hottest tickets on the MLB calendar. Lock in your seats on SeatGeek and be there for the next unforgettable chapter.