For MLB, 2023 is set to be a year like no other. In the offseason, while teams like the Texas Rangers and New York Mets were making waves in the free agency market, MLB prepared for the introduction of a number of rules changes designed to improve fan enjoyment and player safety.
Bigger bases, defensive restrictions, and a pitch timer are now in place, meaning baseball could be full of high-scoring, all-action contests in the months ahead. But with more than 1000 games on tap, what are some of the marquee match-ups to look out for?
Here’s a rundown of 5 series that could light up the league in 2023:
San Diego Padres v San Francisco Giants (29–30 April 2023)
Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú, Mexico City
Around a year ago, MLB announced that a number of games would now be played outside the United States each season. In 2023, Mexico City welcomes the first dates on this long-awaited MLB World Tour as the San Diego Padres face the San Francisco Giants at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú. Mexican fans recently saw their national team reach the semifinal stage of the World Baseball Classic and MLB’s visit in April will cap off a historic year for a country passionate about the game.
Houston Astros v
Philadelphia Phillies (
28,
29, &
30 April 2023)
Minute Maid Park, Houston
While the Padres and Giants are squaring off south of the US border, over in Texas, the Houston Astros will welcome the Philadelphia Phillies for a rematch of the 2022 World Series. The Astros were, of course, victorious last time round, winning their second Fall Classic in the process. Will it be revenge for the Phillies or a rerun of former glories for the Astros? Find out at Minute Maid Park in April.
St. Louis Cardinals v Chicago Cubs (24–25 June 2023)
London Stadium, London
MLB’s World Tour continues in June as the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs cross the pond for a 2-game series in London. This will be the second edition of the league’s London Series, following 2 games between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in 2019. Back then, the scoring was historically high, so fans can expect another exciting encounter when the NL Central’s biggest rivals bring the Route 66 Series to the UK.
Los Angeles Dodgers v
Los Angeles Angels (
7 &
8 July 2023)
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
As you might expect from 2 teams that play their games so close to Hollywood, the Dodgers and Angels are stacked with stars. In Anaheim, global sensation Shohei Ohtani and former MVP Mike Trout are arguably the league’s best players, and lead the way for an Angels side that is often overshadowed by its LA rivals in blue. The Dodgers might not have Ohtani, but they are MLB juggernauts with a fascinating history and World Series expectations thanks to players like Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw. In July, the latest blockbuster clash between these 2 Golden State neighbours is sure to have fans on the edge of their seats.
New York Yankees v
New York Mets (
25 &
26 July 2023)
Yankee Stadium, New York City
Known as the Subway Series, games between the Yankees and Mets are not just a quest to improve each team’s playoff chances, but a tussle for New York City itself. Local pride will be on the line once again in July as the Yankees of the Bronx take on the Mets of Queens in the battle of the boroughs at Yankee Stadium. Raucous fans from both sides will be in attendance, making this an unmissable showdown in the Big Apple.
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