Now, we are down to four teams: three big-market franchises with payrolls resembling those funded by Fort Knox, alongside the gritty Cleveland Guardians. Three of these teams clinched first place in their respective divisions, and two boasted the best records in Major League Baseball. As the NLCS begins on Sunday night in Los Angeles, let’s evaluate the four potential World Series matchups. Our criteria for assessment include: How captivating are the teams? Do they feature star players? What is their historical significance? How strong were they during the regular season (with no disrespect to the Texas Rangers or Arizona Diamondbacks, a matchup entirely composed of wild cards isn’t ideal for many of us)?
Fortunately, this year we cannot go wrong: all four teams present fascinating narratives. We might witness a World Series marked by a historic drought, along with the possibility of the greatest superstar showdown in baseball history.
Significance: This matchup embodies the essence of traditional baseball, featuring not only the two most revered franchises in the sport but also the two most significant in North American sports history. The New York Yankees, with 27 World Series championships, have dominated the narrative of America’s pastime for over a century, from Babe Ruth and Joe DiMaggio to Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, and Derek Jeter. The Yankees’ saga is intertwined with the story of baseball itself, yet they have not reached a World Series since their last victory in 2009.
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The Dodgers broke the color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson when they were based in Brooklyn. In 1958, they relocated to Los Angeles, drawn by the allure of palm trees and a burgeoning market, quickly establishing themselves as a premier organization in the sport. They were pioneers in investing heavily in Latin America and expanded into Japanese recruiting by signing Hideo Nomo in 1995. The Dodgers captured the World Series title in 2020, although that win came with a COVID-19 asterisk; despite their recent achievements, they have not secured a championship in a complete, normal season since 1988. The stakes would be incredibly high for both teams.
History: For those seeking historical context, this series would provide more narrative depth than a Ken Burns documentary. The two franchises have faced each other in the World Series 11 times — seven of those while both were located in New York (with Brooklyn winning just once) and four times after the Dodgers’ move to Los Angeles. The memorable clashes from 1977 and 1978 — highlighted by Reggie Jackson’s three-home run performance in 1977 and Bob Welch’s strikeout of Jackson, followed by Jackson’s powerful home run for revenge the next year — are etched in World Series memory. Despite frequently having the two highest payrolls in the league, they have not competed in the World Series since 1981.
Best Yankees/Dodgers moment: There are countless memorable moments, but among the most significant are: Billy Martin’s series-saving catch in 1952, Robinson’s daring steal of home in 1955, Johnny Podres’ shutout in Game 7 during that same year as ‘Dem Bums’ finally triumphed, Sandy Koufax’s extraordinary 15-strikeout game in 1963, and Reggie’s three home runs to clinch in 1977. However, the most iconic has to be Don Larsen’s perfect game in 1956.
Best players who played significant games for both teams: Gary Sheffield, Darryl Strawberry, Tommy John, Willie Randolph, Hiroki Kuroda, Al Downing, Steve Sax, Willie Keeler, Kevin Brown.
Jersey rating: 10 out of 10! These are the two most iconic uniforms in baseball.
Why we want this matchup: Traditions will savored by many as the Yankees and Dodgers boasted the best records in their…
leagues. Since the era of expanded playoffs began, it has not occurred since 2013 when the Boston Red Sox faced the St. Louis Cardinals.
While that would certainly be enjoyable, our main interest stems from this: Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani are the standout stories of the season, making it fitting for the season to culminate with these two megastars in the spotlight. Judge boasted an impressive .322 batting average with 58 home runs, 144 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 223, delivering what could be regarded as the greatest season by a right-handed batter in history. Ohtani made history himself by being the first player ever to achieve both 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, ultimately surpassing those remarkable figures with 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases. Even those who do not normally follow baseball were aware of the incredible feats accomplished by both players.
Both players are poised to win MVP awards. The last time that both MVP winners participated in the World Series was in 2012, when Miguel Cabrera’s Detroit Tigers competed against Buster Posey’s San Francisco Giants. Before that matchup, one would have to look back to 1988 when Jose Canseco’s Athletics went up against Kirk Gibson’s Dodgers. It’s worth noting that Posey’s season wasn’t particularly historic, and Gibson was hampered by injury in 1988 (aside from his memorable pinch-hit home run). Thus, this potential showdown would mark the most anticipated MVP clash since George Brett and Mike Schmidt in 1980 and could emerge as the most awaited superstar encounter in World Series history.
Top Five Dramatic Scenarios:
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Judge versus Ohtani (though they wouldn’t face each other directly, this matchup would steal the headlines)
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Gerrit Cole versus the Dodgers lineup as he aims to secure his first World Series title and solidify his legacy as a true Yankee
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Dave Roberts confronted with his own playoff track record of unfortunate pitching decisions
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Juan Soto and Judge facing off against a multitude of Dodgers relievers
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Freddie Freeman attempting to perform at his best while dealing with a sprained ankle
Significance: Welcome to Subway Series 2.0. The showdown between the Bronx and Queens. The D train facing off against the 7. Yankees Steakhouse taking on Shake Shack. The immense financial resources of Hal Steinbrenner versus the deep, deep pockets of Steve Cohen. Historically, the Yankees and Mets have seldom made the playoffs in the same year—this marks just the sixth occasion—but they did meet in the World Series in 2000. At that time, the Yankees sought a third consecutive championship after winning only 87 games in the regular season, making the playoffs primarily due to their weak AL East performance (Cleveland won more games yet did not qualify for the playoffs due to the single wild card rule).
Game 1 of the World Series shifted dramatically in the sixth inning. Timo Perez assumed that Todd Zeile’s fly ball was a home run and slowed his pace on the bases, only to discover the ball had bounced off the wall. He was subsequently thrown out at home plate. In a heart-wrenching turn, Armando Benitez failed to secure the save in the bottom of the ninth for the Mets, leading to the Yankees’ win in 12 innings from Jose Vizcaino’s walk-off single. The Yankees, who eventually triumphed in five games, remain the last team to achieve consecutive World Series titles (three in a row in their case).
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While the Yankees’ dynasty included several key former Mets—David Cone, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden—the overall history between the two franchises largely revolves around competing for tabloid headlines. Yankees fans regularly mock Mets fans for their historical shortcomings and lack of a championship since 1986, while Mets fans retaliate by poking fun at Yankees fans for their sense of entitlement and complaints despite consistently making it to the playoffs. Additionally, there’s the memorable social media footage of a brawl between Mets and Yankees fans that erupted in the concourse of Yankee Stadium after a game in July. This matchup is sure to add an extra level of intensity.
Best Yankees/Mets Moment: One of the most outrageous and surreal moments in World Series history occurred during Game 2 in 2000, when Mike Piazza hit a foul ball that shattered his bat. A piece of the flying wood soared toward Roger Cle…
In a surprising turn of events, a man abruptly hurled a jagged piece of wood towards Piazza, leading to an immediate clearing of the benches. Clemens initially tried to dismiss it as a mere emotional outburst. Later, he suggested he mistook it for a ball, an explanation that seemed illogical (why would one throw a ball?). Eventually, he claimed uncertainty about whether it was a ball or a piece of bat. Piazza commented on the situation, labeling it as “Bizarre.”
Notable players who made an impact on both teams: Cone, Strawberry, Gooden, Rickey Henderson, Robinson Cano, Carlos Beltran, Robin Ventura, Curtis Granderson, and Al Leiter. While Yogi Berra only had a brief stint with the Mets, he managed both teams, as did other notable figures like Casey Stengel, Joe Torre, and Buck Showalter.
Jersey rating: 10 out of 10! The Mets can arguably claim the top spot for best uniforms in the majors, even if they did initially borrow the pinstripes from the Yankees at the start of their National League journey as an expansion team in 1962.
Reasons for this desired matchup: It’s understandable that many across America might groan at the thought of an all-New York, high-payroll World Series. The 2000 World Series between these teams recorded the lowest television ratings to that date. Nevertheless, the matchup is entertaining, extending beyond the local city rivalry. The Yankees would be making their first World Series appearance in 15 years — a significant gap for a franchise used to being in this position annually. The Mets, on the other hand, entered the season with low expectations after finishing 75-87 in 2023. Even in early June, with a record 11 games under .500, discussions revolved around which impending free agents the Mets might trade away by the deadline.
This scenario presents two compelling narratives: Can the Yankees reclaim their status at the pinnacle, facing off against their city rivals? Can the Mets, having fluctuated between playoff contention and dismal seasons for decades, secure their first World Series title since 1986 while going up against the Yankees? Will Judge finally shine in the most significant moment? And can the Mets keep riding their surprising late-game comebacks inspired by OMG-LFGM-Grimace?
Top five dramatic scenarios:
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Mets’ left-handed starters challenging Soto and Judge
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Yankees’ pitchers contending against the tough top half of the Mets lineup
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Luke Weaver facing Edwin Diaz (while they may not clash directly, Weaver is the unassuming veteran now filling in as the Yankees closer, contrasting with Diaz’s role as the high-paid star who has been navigating tightrope situations every time he pitches)
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Pete Alonso striving to lead the Mets as he heads into free agency
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Former Yankees coach Carlos Mendoza, now in his first year as the Mets’ manager, going head-to-head with Aaron Boone
3. Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Dodgers
Significance: This matchup would showcase original 16 franchises that have existed since the founding of the American League in 1901, giving it an extra layer of significance. The last instance of this occurred in 2018 with the Red Sox and Dodgers. The Guardians hold the record for the longest World Series drought among these franchises, with their last victory in 1948. They faced defeats in the World Series in 1954 and 1995 and experienced even more heartbreaking losses in 1997 against the Marlins (surrendering a lead in the ninth inning of Game 7 and losing in 11 innings) and in 2016 (blowing a 3-1 series advantage to the Cubs).
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History: There is a rich playoff history at play here. Cleveland and Brooklyn faced off in the 1920 World Series, during a time when the series was a best-of-nine format. This clash is often considered one of the most obscure World Series matchups in history (Brook
lyn was even referred to as the Robins back then, rather than the Dodgers). In that same year, Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman tragically passed away in August after being struck by a pitch. The series concluded with Cleveland triumphing in seven games, thanks to future Hall of Famer Stan Coveleski, who achieved a remarkable record of 3-0 with three complete games.
Aside from that, there isn’t much historical interaction between the two teams. Perhaps the most notable connection is that while the Dodgers were the first to break the color barrier with Jackie Robinson, Cleveland became the first American League team to do so under owner Bill Veeck. Larry Doby debuted in the same season as Robinson, and Veeck also signed Negro Leagues star Satchel Paige in 1948. Significant trades between the teams have been rare, with the most notable being the exchanges of minor leaguers: Pedro Guerrero went to the Dodgers in 1974, while Carlos Santana joined Cleveland in 2008. After the 2001 season, Cleveland traded Dave Roberts to the Dodgers, where he got to play regularly for the first time.
Best Guardians/Dodgers moment: Let’s take a closer look … the two teams have faced each other only 21 times in interleague play (the Dodgers won two out of three in September), and nothing particularly memorable arises from those encounters. However, looking back to the 1920 World Series, the series was tied 2-2 when Game 5 featured two unforgettable moments: Cleveland’s second baseman Bill Wambsganss executed an unassisted triple play, one of just 15 in major league history; and Elmer Smith of Cleveland made history by hitting the first grand slam in World Series history.
Best players who played significant games for both teams: Manny Ramirez, Brett Butler, Eddie Murray, Orel Hershiser, Frank Robinson, Tom Candiotti, Rick Sutcliffe, Stan Williams.
Jersey rating: 7 out of 10.
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Why we want this matchup: The Guardians have endured a lengthy championship drought—one that has seen the franchise suffer its share of heartbreaking defeats over the years. Back in the 1990s, teams featuring stars like Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, Albert Belle, and Kenny Lofton came close but fell short. They have rebuilt multiple times since, boasting an impressive squad in 2016 and an even stronger one in 2017, which won 102 games but succumbed to the Yankees in the ALDS after squandering a 2-0 series lead. While the Guardians’ current drought may not be as prolonged or as well-known as the Cubs’ was in 2016, a victory would create an inspiring narrative.
Five best drama scenarios:
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Emmanuel Clase facing Shohei Ohtani with the game on the line would be a top-tier showdown.
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The ongoing bullpen battle, commencing early in most games, would captivate armchair managers.
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Jose Ramirez, often deemed underrated, may not actually be underrated, but showcasing his skills on a national stage would be fantastic.
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The pressure would squarely rest on the heavily favored Dodgers, who possess a substantially larger payroll (nearly $200 million more than Cleveland’s estimated luxury tax payroll).
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Clase matched up against Mookie Betts in a high-stakes situation could also prove exhilarating.
4. Cleveland Guardians vs. New York Mets
Significance: This matchup boasts a combined 114 years of World Series droughts, making it particularly significant—even if 1986 feels recent for some. It seems a bit of an unusual pairing, but the connection is clear: Francisco Lindor. Formerly the face of the franchise for Cleveland, the Guardians recognized they couldn’t afford him as a free agent, leading to his trade to the Mets before the 2021 season.
Lindor signed a 10-year, $341 million extension with the Mets on Opening Day. Initially, it seemed he was uncertain if New York was where he wanted to play, but the financial offer was simply too tempting to decline. His first year, however, was challenging: he struggled on the field, dealt with injuries, and along with Javier Baez, notably drew attention by giving a thumbs-down gesture to…
After facing boos from fans, it appeared that the 10-year contract might become a significant blunder; however, Lindor managed to turn things around, following up two top-10 finishes with a likely second-place finish to Ohtani this year.
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History: The notable Harry Chiti trade in 1962 marked a unique moment, as the Mets acquired Chiti from Cleveland only to trade him back a few months later, making him the first player to be traded for himself. Besides Lindor, the most significant trades between the Mets and Guardians involved second basemen. Jeff Kent moved from New York to Cleveland in exchange for Carlos Baerga, a deal that proved disastrous for the Mets (Kent would accumulate 45.8 WAR while Baerga would end up with a minus-0.5). Years later, the Mets brought in Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar, but he quickly fell off. Generally, not much else has transpired between these two franchises.
Best Guardians/Mets Moment: One standout occasion was Pete Alonso’s victory in the Home Run Derby in Cleveland in 2019. Can we consider that? Notable players who have participated in significant games for both teams include Lindor, Alomar, Bartolo Colon, Eddie Murray, Dwight Gooden, Asdrubal Cabrera, Amed Rosario, Jesse Orosco, Orel Hershiser, and Carlos Carrasco.
Jersey Rating: 6 out of 10.
Why We Want This Matchup: It may sound absurd to label the Mets—a team with a $350 million payroll—as scrappy, yet that might be the most fitting description. Similarly, it applies to the Guardians, making this an ideal “all-scrappy World Series.” The Mets are financially invested in 12 players who earn at least $10 million each (not counting Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, for whom they paid a combined $57 million this season while pitching for other teams). Meanwhile, the Guardians are only paying two players that much, one of whom, Shane Bieber, is currently injured.
Moreover, the matchup presents an exciting clash of styles. The Guardians are structured around their bullpen, while the Mets focus on their starting pitching. The Guardians excel in defense and base running, lacking much power aside from Ramirez and Josh Naylor, whereas the Mets rely heavily on home runs. Additionally, the matchup of first-year managers—Stephen Vogt and Mendoza—offers an intriguing strategic test.
Five Best Drama Scenarios:
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Lindor at bat with the game on the line.
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Ramirez at bat with game implications.
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How the Mets’ bullpen handles Steven Kwan, who finished the ALDS with three consecutive three-hit games, especially considering David Peterson’s use as the only lefty, likely shifting back to the rotation.
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Exploring the contrasting styles regarding Vogt’s quick bullpen usage versus Mendoza’s reliance on his starting pitchers.
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Given the Guardians’ history in Game 7 situations, if it reaches a Game 7, Lindor, Mark Vientos, and Brandon Nimmo could come up in the ninth inning with Clase protecting a one-run lead. That would provide the intense World Series drama we crave.
Ranking the Potential World Series Matchups: A Dive into 2024’s Most Intriguing MLB Storylines
2024 MLB Season Overview
The 2024 MLB season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with numerous storylines and potential matchups that could thrill baseball fans around the globe. As teams gear up for the regular season, let’s explore the most intriguing World Series matchups and the narratives that could define them.
Top Potential World Series Matchups
As we look ahead to the possible World Series contenders in 2024, several matchups stand out based on team compositions, player performances, and historical rivalries. Here are our top-ranked potential matchups:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees
This matchup brings together two of the most storied franchises in MLB history. With the Yankees boasting a rich history of championships, and the Dodgers consistently being in the postseason conversation, their clash could be historic.
- Key Players: Mookie Betts (Dodgers), Aaron Judge (Yankees)
- Storylines: Will the Dodgers finally break their World Series drought? Can the Yankees add to their legacy?
2. Houston Astros vs. Atlanta Braves
The Astros and Braves have both been powerhouses in their respective leagues. This matchup could showcase elite pitching and dynamic offensive play.
- Key Players: José Altuve (Astros), Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves)
- Storylines: A battle of the bats: Which team can overcome postseason pressure?
3. Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres
The Cubs are looking to regain their championship status, while the Padres aim to capitalize on their superstar roster. This matchup could be electrifying.
- Key Players: Cody Bellinger (Cubs), Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres)
- Storylines: Can the Cubs reclaim their past glory? Will the Padres finally win it all?
4. Philadelphia Phillies vs. Minnesota Twins
These teams are looking to establish themselves as serious contenders. The Phillies’ potent lineup versus the Twins’ powerful bats could result in a thrilling series.
- Key Players: Bryce Harper (Phillies), Byron Buxton (Twins)
- Storylines: Will the Phillies break their championship curse? Can the Twins find playoff success?
Emerging Teams to Watch
As we look at the 2024 season, several teams are emerging as serious contenders, potentially making waves in the postseason.
Texas Rangers
- Strengths: A balanced roster with strong pitching and hitting.
- Potential Matchup: Rangers vs. Yankees could ignite old rivalries.
Seattle Mariners
- Strengths: Young talent with playoff experience.
- Potential Matchup: Mariners vs. Astros for AL West dominance.
Tampa Bay Rays
- Strengths: Innovative tactics and depth in the bullpen.
- Potential Matchup: Rays vs. Braves could showcase strategic depth.
Case Studies: Recent World Series Trends
Exploring recent World Series trends can give us insights into what to expect in 2024.
Analyzing the 2021 and 2022 World Series
| Year | Teams | Outcome | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Atlanta Braves vs. Houston Astros | Braves Win (4-2) | Freddie Freeman, José Altuve |
| 2022 | Houston Astros vs. Philadelphia Phillies | Astros Win (4-2) | Jeremy Peña, Bryce Harper |
Benefits of Following MLB Storylines
Staying updated with MLB storylines not only enhances your viewing experience but also provides insights for sports betting, fantasy leagues, and discussions with fellow fans.
- Enhanced Engagement: Knowing key player performances keeps fans invested.
- Strategic Insights: Understanding team dynamics aids in making informed bets.
- Community Connection: Engaging in discussions about predictions fosters community spirit.
Practical Tips for Fans
To better enjoy the 2024 MLB season and its potential matchups, consider these practical tips:
- Stay Informed: Follow reliable sports news outlets for updates.
- Engage on Social Media: Join discussions on platforms like Twitter and Reddit.
- Attend Games: Experience the excitement live if possible.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Perspectives
Many fans have shared their experiences regarding epic World Series matchups. Here are a few perspectives:
Fan Insight from a Dodgers Supporter
“Watching the Dodgers battle the Yankees in the World Series would be a dream. The history, the rivalries—there’s nothing like it. I just hope we can finally bring home another championship!”
Braves Fan Excitement
“After the 2021 victory, I can’t help but feel excited about a rematch with the Astros. I believe our team has what it takes to go all the way again!”
Conclusion
The 2024 MLB season promises to be filled with thrilling matchups and compelling storylines. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the potential World Series matchups are sure to captivate and engage. Keep your eyes on the field as the season unfolds!
