If you're checking your phone right now wondering what the score of the Yankees and the Dodgers is, here's the quick reality check: there isn't one. It is mid-January 2026. The snow is probably piling up in the Bronx, and while it’s sunny in Los Angeles, the grass at Dodger Stadium is currently enjoying a well-deserved nap.
We are deep in the MLB offseason. No games. No box scores. Just a whole lot of rumors and front-office drama that’s honestly just as intense as a June series.
But look, I get why you're asking. These two teams basically own the baseball conversation lately. After that 2024 World Series clash and the 2025 season where they seemingly couldn't stop playing each other in high-stakes matchups, the "Yankees vs. Dodgers" itch is real. Even when they aren't playing, they're "playing" against each other in the free-agent market.
When Do the Yankees and Dodgers Actually Play in 2026?
You're going to have to wait a bit. If you’re looking for the next time these two behemoths actually step onto the same dirt, mark your calendar for July 17, 2026.
MLB released the 2026 schedule back in August, and they’ve set up a massive three-game set at Yankee Stadium to kick off the second half of the season right after the All-Star break. It’s basically the "Main Event" of the summer.
- July 17, 2026: Dodgers at Yankees (7:05 PM ET)
- July 18, 2026: Dodgers at Yankees (8:08 PM ET)
- July 19, 2026: Dodgers at Yankees (7:20 PM ET)
The Sunday night game on July 19th is already slated for a national broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Basically, the league knows exactly what we want: Judge vs. Ohtani under the bright lights of New York. It's the kind of series that feels like a playoff preview every single time.
🔗 Read more: Liverpool FC Chelsea FC: Why This Grudge Match Still Hits Different
The Offseason "Scoreboard": Who’s Winning the Winter?
Since there’s no live score on the field, the "score" right now is measured in trades and signings. And honestly? It’s getting a bit wild.
The Yankees just pulled off a trade yesterday, January 14, grabbing lefty Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins. They gave up four prospects to get him, including Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones. It’s a classic Brian Cashman move—fortifying the rotation because, let’s face it, you can never have enough pitching when Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are leading the staff.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers are doing... well, Dodgers things. They’re currently lurking in the shadows of the Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger sweepstakes.
The Cody Bellinger Tug-of-War
This is where the real rivalry is happening right now. Bellinger is the big fish left on the market. The Yankees want him. The Dodgers—his old team—are reportedly interested in a reunion.
The word on the street is that the Yankees offered a five-year deal worth about $155 million. Bellinger wants seven years. It’s a game of chicken. If the Yankees blink, don't be surprised if the Dodgers or even the Blue Jays swoop in.
💡 You might also like: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
Current Rotation Projections (As of January 2026)
If the season started tomorrow (which it doesn't, but let's pretend), here is how the "score" looks in terms of pitching depth:
New York Yankees
- Gerrit Cole (The anchor)
- Carlos Rodon (Looking for a massive 2026)
- Clarke Schmidt
- Ryan Weathers (The new kid)
- Marcus Stroman / Luis Gil (The battle for the 5th spot)
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto (The superstar)
- Tyler Glasnow (If he stays healthy, he's unhittable)
- Shohei Ohtani (Yes, he's back on the mound for 2026!)
- Bobby Miller
- Gavin Stone
Why Everyone is Obsessed with This Matchup
Basically, these are the two richest, most famous teams in the sport. When you search for the score of the Yankees and the Dodgers, you're usually looking for a clash of civilizations.
In 2025, the Dodgers absolutely hammered the Yankees in May, including an 18-2 blowout that still makes Yankees fans cringe. But the Yankees fought back, avoiding a sweep with a 7-3 win behind a gritty performance from the bullpen.
📖 Related: Why Your 1 Arm Pull Up Progression Isn't Working (And How to Fix It)
That’s the beauty of this rivalry. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the fact that both teams are constantly under a microscope. If the Yankees lose a series to the Dodgers, it’s a crisis in the Bronx. If the Dodgers lose to the Yankees, it’s a failure of the "super-team" experiment in LA.
Historical Context: The Last Real "Scores" That Mattered
If you're feeling nostalgic while waiting for the 2026 season to start, remember that their most recent meaningful games were high-scoring affairs. We've moved away from the 1-0 pitcher's duels of the 60s. Today, it’s about launch angles and exit velocity.
Most fans are still talking about the 2024 World Series. That’s the benchmark. Every regular-season "score" since then is just a chapter in the ongoing book of who truly owns MLB in the mid-2020s.
What Should You Do Now?
Since you can't watch them play today, here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
- Check the Ticket Prices: Tickets for that July 17-19 series at Yankee Stadium are already on sale. Expect to pay a premium.
- Follow the Bellinger News: The "score" of the offseason will likely be decided by where Cody Bellinger signs. If he goes to New York, the Yankees "win" January.
- Watch the Pitching Market: Keep an eye on Freddy Peralta. The Yankees are still rumored to be interested, even after the Weathers trade.
The 2026 season officially kicks off for the Yankees on March 25th in San Francisco. The Dodgers open at home against the Diamondbacks on March 26th. Until then, the only score that matters is the one being kept in the front offices.
Actionable Insight: If you're planning to attend the July series in New York, book your travel by the end of February. With the Dodgers in town and Ohtani back on the mound, hotel prices in the Bronx and Manhattan are expected to spike 20-30% for that specific weekend.