MLB hits ratings gold with Yankees-Dodgers showdown

There’s a simple explanation for the spike: star power. Ohtani (No. 4) and Judge (No. 3) headline MLB Network’s Top 100 Players, and they’re joined by the likes of Betts (No. 2), Freddie Freeman (No. 5), and Juan Soto (No. 7).

Contrast that with last year’s World Series between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers, when Corey Seager was the only player from either team ranked in the top 20. It’s no surprise casual fans didn’t tune in.

But it’s not just the stars. History plays a role, too. This is the 12th time the Yankees and Dodgers have faced off in the Fall Classic, with their rivalry stretching back to when the Dodgers were in Brooklyn. 

Between 1941 and 1981, they met 11 times, with the Yankees winning eight series. However, the Dodgers got the last laugh in 1981 when they beat New York in six games.

The history alone adds weight to this matchup, pulling in older fans who remember the days of Reggie Jackson and Fernando Valenzuela.

Ratings are crucial for MLB, especially in a time when the league has fought to keep pace with the NFL and NBA in terms of national relevance. TV deals are a big part of that equation. 

MLB’s most recent deal with Turner Sports is reportedly worth $3.75B, a 65% increase from its previous agreement. The deal with FOX Sports is even bigger, reportedly valued at $5.1 billion. 

The better the ratings, the more those deals become a long-term win for the league, fueling revenue for years to come.

This postseason’s resurgence is a sign of what happens when the biggest names and richest history take center stage. But it’s also a reminder of baseball’s uphill battle to remain relevant on the national stage. 

After all, last year proved that great baseball doesn’t always guarantee eyeballs. But with the Yankees and Dodgers back in the World Series, MLB is showing it still can capture the nation’s attention when everything comes together.

With the brightest stars and deepest history on display, this series isn’t just a win for baseball — it’s a showcase for what the game can be when the stakes are at their highest.