June 10, 2025: The Padres-Dodgers rivalry has long been one of Major League Baseball’s most anticipated matchups — and in 2025, it’s delivering fireworks with every inning. Monday night’s 8-7 extra-innings thriller in San Diego was just the beginning of seven high-stakes meetings this June that could shape the postseason picture in the National League.
With Petco Park packed and playoff energy already in the air, Southern California is making its case as the current heart of the baseball universe. It helps that both the Dodgers and Padres lead the league in home attendance — and star power. Future Hall of Famers are scattered across both rosters, and fans on each side are already deeply familiar with the enemy’s best.
More Than Just a Game
Sure, these games are technically part of the regular season. But for teams battling in a stacked NL West — and facing elite competition from the Cubs and Mets — every win carries October implications.
While it’s true that wild-card teams can win the World Series (just ask Bruce Bochy and the 2023 Rangers), recent history suggests winning the division still matters. Since MLB introduced a second wild card in 2012, nearly 77% of World Series champs have been division winners.
And under MLB’s new format — in place since 2022 — only two division champs per league receive first-round byes. That extra rest and reduced playoff gauntlet is proving valuable: the 2022 Astros and 2024 Dodgers, both with top-two records, parlayed their byes into World Series titles.
The Playoff Math Gets Complicated
As of Monday, the Mets and Cubs held the best winning percentages in the National League, meaning the NL West winner will likely have to outplay both to snag a coveted bye. And for the Padres, that means taking down not just the Dodgers but also holding off the surging Giants — no small feat.
The Padres’ all-time high for postseason wins in a single year? Seven — a number they’ll need to almost double to win it all under the current format.
Focus Now, Talk October Later
Former Padre (and Dodger) Greg Maddux once coined the term “media mumbo-jumbo” to describe speculative playoff talk before summer even hits — a wise reminder for players to stay present. But fans and analysts alike can’t help but connect the dots, especially when games like Monday night’s feel like previews of postseason battles to come.
In the end, the Padres don’t need extra motivation to go all-out against L.A. Beating the Dodgers is always sweet — and this year, it might just be the key to October.
Until then? Sit back, soak in the intensity, and enjoy the show.