10 Can’t-Miss Series for the 2023 MLB Campaign
Every MLB season has its highlights. Close games, playoff pushes, special games, and more. Obviously, there are your classics: Red Sox-Yankees, The Subway Series, Freeway Series, Mets-Braves, Dodgers-Giants, Astros-Yankees. These are 10, unique series during the 2023 MLB season that you cannot miss.
Giants @ Yankees: March 30-April 2
The Giants and Yankees play on Opening Weekend this year, and I could not be more excited. This is a classic matchup. The Giants, formerly the New York Giants, return to their first location to battle the Yankees. Two of the oldest and most memorable teams in the league will prove to be a fun start to the season.
Additionally, Aaron Judge will play in front of some San Francisco fans who almost had the opportunity to watch him for the rest of his career on their team. After a Judge’s offseason with the Yankees and Giants both throwing money at him, a 3 a.m. phone call from Hal Steinbrenner kept him in the Bronx. Could you imagine if he had signed with San Francisco?
More recently, Anthony Volpe is set to make his long-awaited major league debut at shortstop. The Delbarton graduate had a monster spring training, so Steinbrenner, Brian Cashman, and Aaron Boone gave in and went through with Volpe.
Astros @ Braves: April 21-23
As we near the end of April, the Astros travel to Braves’ Country for a 2021 World Series rematch. Looking back at it, this World Series was awesome, as it went six games in thrilling fashion. The Braves were counted out all postseason, then they shocked the world. The Braves had Freddie Freeman, Jorge Soler, Joc Pederson, Adam Duvall, and Dansby Swanson, while they were without Ronald Acuna Jr. The Astros had Carlos Correa, Yuli Gurriel, and Jose Siri, while they were without Jeremy Pena.
Although these are both different teams just a year and a half later, it will still be a privilege to watch in a few weeks.
Phillies @ Astros: April 28-30
Just a week later, we get our 2022 World Series rematch when the Phillies fly to Houston. Last year’s Fall Classic was a six-game thriller. Philly won Game 1 in Houston, then the Astros took Game 2 before heading east. The Phillies then took a commanding 2-1 series lead with two more to play in Philly. The Astros were just too good, and won the next three.
Altuve will be out for this one, but so will Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins. While I wish this was a series we got in August, I will settle for a weekend in April.
Rangers @ Mets: August 28-30
At the tail end of August, Texas travels to Queens for a three-game set. A year ago, this would just be a random, unimportant interleague matchup that has no implications. Flash forward to now and Jacob deGrom may have the opportunity to pitch against his former team. This one will be circled on the calendar, as it will have a playoff atmosphere with both cheers and boos if deGrom takes the hill.
Dodgers @ Red Sox: August 25-27
On the last weekend in August, the Dodgers travel to Fenway for the first time since 2019. This series is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions. Two of the most successful teams of the 21st-century square off at the classic Fenway Park. Fans will be in for a great couple nights of baseball.
However, this one is big for the players, too. Mookie Betts makes his return to Fenway Park after being traded in February 2020. One can only hope that he gets cheers and no boos. The same goes for Red Sox legend J.D. Martinez, who is now the designated hitter for LA. Alex Verdugo, one of the pieces in the Betts trade, will also face off against his former team for the first time.
Justin Turner, Kenley Jansen, Connor Wong, Chris Martin, and Kike Hernandez are some other Red Sox who will face off against their former club, some for the first time, as well. As a Sox fan myself, I’ll be glued to my couch for this weekend.
Phillies @ Nationals: August 18-20
The Phillies will visit the Nationals for some division play in the dog days of summer. While the Nationals will not be competitive this year, this weekend is a special one. The Friday and Saturday games will be played in the District of Columbia, but the Sunday finale is the Williamsport Classic.
MLB has been hosting this game in Williamsport, home of the Little League World Series, since 2017. The kids have a great time, as they are provided with an experience of a lifetime.
Angels @ Phillies: August 28-30
The Angels are going to travel to Philly at the end of August. Another interleague matchup, this one should be a fun one. Both teams have studs on offense like Hunter Renfroe, Anthony Rendon, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber. These high-powered offenses are going to go back and forth the whole weekend. Personally, I would love to see a Shohei-Aaron Nola matchup on one of the nights. Mike Trout also returns home to play just one hour away from his hometown in Millville, New Jersey.
Cubs @ Cardinals: June 24-25
Cubs-Cardinals in June is always a treat, but this one is in London. MLB made its debut in London with The Rivalry (Red Sox-Yankees) in 2019. The Yankees swept the Sox in two games and there was a combined 50 runs scored across two days. While it was the year of the juiced ball, baseballs were being hit out left and right and it gave the crowd a weekend to remember.
The Cubs will be a more competitive squad this year after bolstering their lineup in the winter. The Cardinals will be a wrecking crew, so this series in London should be a fun one.
Yankees @ Dodgers: June 2-4
At the beginning of June, the Yankees head out west to play the Dodgers for the first time since Players’ Weekend in 2019. Both of these rosters are stacked with talent and they will have a chance to showcase it here. Two classic teams. Dodger Stadium. You can bet all three of these games will be nationally televised.
Giants @ Padres: April 29-30
Finally, the Giants visit the Padres at the end of April. The Padres are not exactly home, as the series will be held in Mexico City. Two solid rosters, both close to Mexico City. The venue will be packed and it will be a fantastic two days.
