The San Francisco Giants have always been the biggest rival of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Their feud began well before both teams moved to the West Coast in 1958.
But in recent years, the San Diego Padres have added extra fuel to the fire. With a star-studded roster and playoff expectations, the Padres have become legitimate challengers to both longtime NL West rivals.
Mookie Betts, Jackson Merrill Talk Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres Rivalry
This week, Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts and Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill spoke about the Dodgers-Padres rivalry, which continues to heat up with every series. The teams are currently in the middle of a three-game set at Petco Park that began Monday night.
The Dodgers took Game 1 with an 8-7 win in extra innings. The Padres bounced back Tuesday with an 11-1 blowout. The rubber match will take place Wednesday evening as both clubs try to gain an edge in a tight NL West race.
Before the series began, Merrill joined Betts on his podcast, “On Base with Mookie Betts,” produced by Bleacher Report. The two shared their thoughts on the growing rivalry and how it compares to baseball’s more traditional feuds.
Mookie and Jackson Merrill talked about the Dodgers-Padres rivalry ahead of tonight’s matchup đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/JSirTi5W56
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) June 11, 2025
“Our rivalry reminds me of the Boston and Yankees rivalry. A lot of people say the Dodgers and the Giants rivalry is the thing,” Betts said. “That’s how it used to be. That’s how it’s always been, really.
“The Padres have always been good since I’ve been here,” Betts added. “The rivalry, it’s hard to say. For me, it’s both of you.”
Jackson Merrill Shares His Perspective
Merrill, just 22 years old, has quickly made a name for himself. In 2024, he was named an All-Star, won a Silver Slugger, and finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting. Despite the fast rise, Merrill said the Padres-Dodgers rivalry feels more like competition than hostility.
“I was a Red Sox fan growing up. That felt more like blood. Like, ‘We’re coming after you.’ For us, it just feels like we want to win the baseball game,” Merrill said. “We talk to each other on the bases. We’re cool.”
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Betts knows all about the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry. Drafted by Boston in 2011, he made his MLB debut in 2014 and spent six seasons there. He won the American League MVP and a World Series in 2018 before being traded to the Dodgers in 2020.
“You couldn’t talk to anybody,” Betts said. “There was a lot, like throwing at guys, fights, and all those things. I don’t feel like that goes on. I feel like our rivalry is one of clean, good baseball.”
Postseason History Adds Fuel
The Dodgers and Padres have met in the playoffs in three of the past five years. Their most recent matchup came in the 2024 National League Division Series. That series went the distance, with Los Angeles winning in five games—but not without a fight from San Diego.
Now, both teams are looking to gain the upper hand again in a tight division race. The Dodgers will host the Giants for a three-game series over the weekend, followed by a four-game homestand against the Padres.
Before game action on June 11, the Dodgers, Padres, and Giants are separated by just one win in the standings. The race for the NL West crown is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in baseball—and the rivalries, both old and new, are right at the center of it.