You know that feeling when you're watching a game and it just feels heavier than a random Tuesday night in July? That’s basically the vibe every time we get a NY Mets vs Dodgers matchup. It’s weird because they aren’t in the same division. They aren’t even on the same coast. But honestly, the history between these two is so baked into the DNA of New York baseball that you can't ignore it.
The Mets exist because the Dodgers (and the Giants) left. That’s the core of it. When the Dodgers packed up for Los Angeles in 1958, they left a massive, blue-shaped hole in the hearts of National League fans in New York. Four years later, the Mets showed up wearing Dodger Blue and Giants Orange. It’s like the Mets are the rebound kid who actually turned out to be pretty cool, but they’re still constantly measuring themselves against the "ex" who moved to Hollywood and got rich.
The 2024 NLCS Hangover and Why It Still Hurts
If you're a Mets fan, the mention of the 2024 National League Championship Series probably still makes your eye twitch. It was such a wild ride. The "Grimace" Mets, the Francisco Lindor MVP-caliber run, the feeling that destiny was finally on their side—and then they ran into the buzzsaw.
The Dodgers didn't just win that series; they dismantled the Mets' pitching staff in a way that felt almost cruel. Losing in six games is one thing. Giving up double-digit runs in multiple games is another. That 10-5 clincher at Dodger Stadium was a loud reminder that while the Mets had "vibes," the Dodgers had a billion-dollar juggernaut.
Shohei Ohtani was, well, Ohtani. But what really killed the Mets was the Dodgers' depth. Guys like Tommy Edman—who ended up as the NLCS MVP—were the ones doing the damage. It wasn't just the superstars; it was everyone. That series cemented a new layer of bitterness for New Yorkers. It shifted the NY Mets vs Dodgers dynamic from a historical curiosity to a modern-day grudge match.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2025 Season Series
There’s this narrative that the Dodgers just "own" the Mets now. But if you actually looked at the 2025 regular season, that’s not what happened at all. In fact, the Mets actually won the season series against Los Angeles in 2025.
It was a statement.
Pete Alonso went absolutely nuclear against L.A. pitching last year. I’m talking 10 RBIs in a handful of games. The Mets took three out of four at Dodger Stadium in June, which is something very few teams do. It was a massive moment for Carlos Mendoza’s squad. It proved that the 2024 collapse wasn't a permanent state of affairs.
The most interesting part of those 2025 games was how the Mets pitched Ohtani. They actually found a way to neutralize him for stretches. By the time the season series ended, the Mets had out-pitched a Dodgers rotation that was dealing with its usual fair share of injuries. It’s a classic example of why you can't just look at the payrolls and decide the winner.
2026: The New Arms Race
We are currently sitting in early 2026, and the hot stove just exploded. If you haven't been keeping up, the rosters for the upcoming NY Mets vs Dodgers games look significantly different.
The Dodgers just landed Kyle Tucker on a massive $240 million deal. Seriously. Because apparently, they didn't have enough All-Stars. But Steve Cohen didn't just sit on his hands. After losing out on Tucker, the Mets pivoted and grabbed Bo Bichette for $126 million.
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- Dodgers Core: Ohtani, Betts, Freeman, Tucker.
- Mets Core: Lindor, Nimmo, Bichette, Alvarez, and potentially a returning Pete Alonso (depending on how those contract talks finally settle).
The pitching matchup is where things get really spicy for 2026. We’re looking at a healthy Kodai Senga potentially facing off against a Dodgers rotation that is always a mix of "elite talent" and "hope he doesn't need surgery."
Key Matchups to Watch in April 2026
The first time these two teams meet this year is April 13th at Dodger Stadium. It’s early. It’s usually a bit chilly in the shade, but the atmosphere will be electric. Here is what I’m actually looking at:
1. Lindor vs. The Ohtani Shadow
Francisco Lindor is the heart of the Mets. In 2025, he put up another 30/30 season, and he’s clearly the defensive anchor. But Ohtani is the global icon. Every time they share a field, there’s a "who is the real best player in the NL" subtext, even if Ohtani is primarily DH-ing.
2. The Bullpen Battle
The Mets’ bullpen was their Achilles' heel in the '24 playoffs. Bringing in Devin Williams and having a full year of a stabilized bridge to the 9th inning changes things. The Dodgers, meanwhile, have a way of finding random 98-mph flamethrowers from the waiver wire.
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3. The "New Guy" Factor
How does Bo Bichette handle the New York spotlight? He’s moving from Toronto, which is a big market, but it isn't Queens. Seeing him in that lineup alongside Lindor gives the Mets one of the best middle infields in the entire league.
Why This Isn't Just "Another Game"
The Dodgers represent the gold standard of modern baseball—unlimited resources, elite scouting, and a rings-or-bust mentality. The Mets represent the "new money" challenger trying to prove they belong at that same table.
Every NY Mets vs Dodgers series is a litmus test for the Mets' front office. It’s David Stearns trying to outmaneuver Andrew Friedman. It’s the ultimate clash of philosophies.
When you go to Citi Field or Dodger Stadium for these games, you see the jerseys. You see the 1988 throwbacks. You see the fans who remember Mike Scioscia’s soul-crushing home run off Doc Gooden. You see the fans who remember the 2015 NLDS when Utley’s slide changed the rules of the game forever.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you're looking to actually engage with this rivalry in 2026, here’s the smart way to do it:
- Check the Travel Schedule: The Mets often struggle on the first game of a West Coast trip. If the April 13th game is the opener after a long flight, the Dodgers have a statistical edge.
- Pitching Rotations: Always look for the Senga/Ohtani (if pitching) matchups. These games tend to be low-scoring, high-intensity duels that often go under the total.
- Target the July Series: The Mets host the Dodgers from July 24-26 at Citi Field. This is usually when the "summer slump" hits most teams, but these two tend to play their best baseball in the heat.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be another chapter in a book that’s been written since 1962. It’s blue vs. blue. Coast vs. coast. And honestly? It’s exactly what baseball needs.
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Next Steps for You:
Mark April 13, 2026, on your calendar for the series opener in LA. If you’re planning to attend the July series at Citi Field, tickets are already trending higher than the league average, so keep an eye on the secondary markets now before the "Senga vs. Yamamoto" hype drives prices through the roof.