With the recent release of the full 2020 MLB schedule, we finally get an in depth look at some of the biggest matchups of the season. The 60-game season is packed with must-watch baseball that will not totally make-up for the shortened season but helps lessen the blow. These are the five biggest series of the season, based off team talent level, competitiveness, and future playoff implications. There is no way to perfectly predict how this season will turn out, and we still don’t even know if this season will finish, but these games are the ones expected to have the biggest impact on this very unique season. 

Yankees @ Nationals, July 23-25 

The first MLB game of the season is possibly the most anticipated game of the entire season. Gerrit Cole gets to make his Yankees debut on primetime television in what will be a duel against Max Scherzer. The defending World Series champ will have to prove themselves without Rendon against the American League favorites (according to Caesars Casino & SportsBook) . I think that Scherzer wins the duel on opening night, but from there on out it will be the Yankees to win the series 2-1. 

Dodgers @ Astros, July 28-29 

The 2017 World Series rematch happens early in the season with two teams who are still ready to win. The Dodgers are the National League favorites and another heavily favored World Series contender. The Astros want to avenge their recent World Series loss. This series will not come without controversy however, as many believe the Astros World Series win over the Dodgers in 2017 should be vacated because of the Astros cheating scandal. With anger looming on the Dodgers side, this series might be must-watch baseball. I expect the Dodgers to come out firing and take game one, but the Astros will calm down and the 2017 World Series rematch will end in a 1-1 split. 

Yankees @ Braves, August 25-26 

Another interleague match-up between two top teams in the league will have some of the most exciting players in baseball pitted against each other on one field. The Braves, who may just be one consistent reliever away from the World Series take on a Yankees team who may be in the middle of their full stride to the playoffs. The young Braves core of Acuña, Albies, Swanson and Austin Riley will take on the already proven core of Judge, Torres, and LeMahieu in this mid-season series. Acuña and Judge will be in the middle of MVP-type campaigns, so offensive will be at a premium. It will be these teams second meeting of the season, and after a Yankees sweep in the first series, we will see yet another sweep, but this time one coming on the Atlanta side.  

Twins @ White Sox, September 14-17 

Two of the most exciting teams in baseball clash in this late season matchup. These two AL Central teams are two contenders for the division this year. Although the Twins and Indians have more immediate talent that is ready to win right now, the White Sox could be a surprise. They have a few talented pitchers, but its Tim Anderson and Yoan Moncada that will bring in their fans with the way this young offense is revolutionizing the game. If the White Sox do bring some surprises, this could be the last decider in who wins the division. I favor the Sox in this one, and their young offense will be in full swing. The Twins may win this division, but the White Sox will bring showstopping offense to this series and win it.

The Clash of the NL Central, September 4-27 

Baseball’s most competitive division this year will be in the NL Central. There are four teams that have a chance at the title, and the Pirates are not one of them. Each of the four contenders play each other at least once in this three-week span. The Cubs play each of the three teams consecutively, so if they can take over the division it will be in that pivotal 10 game stretch. 

I still favor the veteran Cardinals in this division, as they have the most depth when it comes to pitching. Their offense is also more than respectable to win enough games. This will be an exciting divisional race to end the year. I couldn’t just pick one series that would decide it. The Cardinals are my pick to win the NL Central, but don’t let it surprise you if the upcoming Reds, Yelich-led Brewers, or the versatile Cubs head to the playoffs instead. This end of season battle will be must-watch baseball. 

The MLB season will bring about some of the most memorable moments that we have ever seen. These are the most exciting matchups of the season and I cannot wait to see who takes home the crown. 

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