Baseball is supposed to be America’s pastime, but some teams treat it like a never-ending grudge match. Rivalries often start with playoff drama or division battles, petty moments, trash talk, and Twitter beef make them unforgettable.
This list isn’t about legendary matchups or mutual respect. It’s about the teams that can’t help but act like middle school enemies every time they see each other. Here are the 12 pettiest rivalries in MLB history, ranked from mildly salty to full-on soap opera.
12. Astros vs. Yankees
The Yankees haven’t forgotten 2017, and the Astros aren’t exactly sending apology cards. Since then, every meeting has felt like a reality show reunion with unresolved drama.
11. Giants vs. Dodgers
Sure, it’s historic—but this rivalry gets extra points for being nasty and unbelievably petty. From fans fighting in the stands to beanball wars that never seem to end, it’s never just about baseball.
10. Cubs vs. Cardinals
This one is like two neighbors who constantly one-up each other with passive-aggressive yard displays. The teams may not always be great at the same time, but the pettiness never takes a day off.
9. White Sox vs. Cubs
The Crosstown Classic is mostly meaningless in the standings, but that doesn’t stop either side from acting like the World Series is on the line. It’s sibling rivalry energy on steroids.
8. Red Sox vs. Rays
These two seem to bring out the worst in each other. From benches clearing over nonsense to complaining about celebrations, it’s always a few pitches away from chaos.
7. Mets vs. Braves
The Braves own the division, and the Mets own a complex. There’s a fresh layer of petty banter and emotional damage every season.
6. Phillies vs. Mets
These teams act like they’re both the main characters in the NL East when they’re just the messiest ones in the group chat. Every game has a playoff-level vibe even when they’re both under .500.
5. Yankees vs. Rays
This beef isn’t about history but about bruised egos and ribs. Hit-by-pitches and chirping from both dugouts have made this one feel way more personal than it should be.
4. Padres vs. Dodgers
The Dodgers don’t take the Padres seriously, and the Padres are obsessed with proving them wrong. It’s giving little brother energy, and the Dodgers keep swiping their lunch.
3. Reds vs. Pirates
You’d think two rebuilding teams wouldn’t have time for pettiness, but you’d be wrong. These two have a rich history of benches-clearing brawls and lingering grudges.
Read More: 20 Pettiest Feuds in Sports History
2. Yankees vs. Red Sox
Yes, it’s historic. But a big part of that history is just decades of profoundly unserious drama, from stolen signs to dugout snitching to fans acting like it’s life or death.
Read More: The 10 Greatest Major League Baseball Rivalries
1. Orioles vs. Blue Jays
It’s random, it’s chaotic, and it’s deeply petty. From on-field trash talk to weird dugout stares, this rivalry has become one of the most entertaining sideshows in baseball.
Read More: 15 Pettiest Player Rivalries in MLB History
