Over the past two seasons, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies have each secured 191 victories, tying them for the most wins in Major League Baseball during that period. This postseason matchup between the two teams is not for a World Series or National League Championship Series title, but it brings together two of baseball’s top-performing clubs.
The series features prominent players such as potential NL MVP candidates who will face off in unique ways. Both teams have strong pitching staffs and have added high-velocity arms to their bullpens late in the season. The last time these franchises met in the playoffs was during back-to-back Octobers in 2008 and 2009, when Philadelphia advanced to consecutive NL pennants.
At catcher, Will Smith of the Dodgers started 2025 strong but struggled with injuries late in the season, while J.T. Realmuto of the Phillies improved midyear before declining again in September. “A healthy Smith would get the edge over this version of Realmuto. The Dodgers do not, until proven otherwise, have a healthy Smith.” Advantage: Phillies.
First base presents a close contest between Bryce Harper and Freddie Freeman. Over two years, both posted identical offensive metrics (wRC+ of 138), but Freeman’s stronger finish gives him a slight advantage. “Given the lack of space here, Freeman’s better finish gives him the world’s tiniest edge.” Advantage: Dodgers.
At second base, Bryson Stott’s performance improved significantly after July due to changes at home and at bat. “I just try to pull the ball now,” Stott told The Athletic about his new approach. With Tommy Edman limited by injury for Los Angeles, Stott’s resurgence gives Philadelphia an edge at this position.
Shortstop sees Mookie Betts and Trea Turner matched up again after previously being teammates on the Dodgers. Turner outperformed Betts offensively but missed much of September with a hamstring injury. “A fully healthy Turner gets the edge. We don’t know if the Phillies have that.” Advantage: Dodgers.
Max Muncy leads third base for Los Angeles but has struggled against left-handed pitching—an issue as Philadelphia plans to start three lefties on the mound. Alec Bohm recovered from a poor April to finish strong for Philadelphia, providing more certainty than what Los Angeles faces at this position.
In left field, Brandon Marsh overcame early struggles to become one of Philadelphia’s top hitters through most of 2025. The Dodgers’ options are less certain due to injuries and lineup shuffling.
Harrison Bader became an impactful midseason addition for Philadelphia in center field with elite defense and solid hitting numbers over his short stint with the team.
Right field is led by Teoscar Hernández for Los Angeles after Nick Castellanos lost his starting role due to offensive decline and defensive issues for Philadelphia.
Designated hitter pits Shohei Ohtani against Kyle Schwarber—two elite sluggers—with Ohtani holding statistical advantages in several categories: “But when one had twice as many stolen bases, and a 27-point edge in on-base percentage… how do you not choose Ohtani?” Advantage: Dodgers.
Starting rotations are closely matched; however, recent performances favor Los Angeles pitchers based on run prevention across various splits this season.
Both bullpens feature question marks—Los Angeles struggled recently despite adding Roki Sasaki while Philadelphia relies on Matt Strahm, Tanner Banks, and especially Jhoan Duran since acquiring him from Minnesota midseason: “He’s easily the best reliever on both rosters… Which team will feel more confident in the ninth inning? We thought so.”
The prediction notes that both teams are closely matched across most positions with home-field advantage potentially tipping things toward Philadelphia given both teams’ superior records at home compared to away games.
“Phillies in five.”
