5 rivalries MLB realignment could give us more of in 2020

By Jake Starr | May 7, 2020

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 31: Mike Trout #27 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim runs to first base after hitting an RBI single during the second inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on August 31, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 15: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies reacts after hitting a walk-off grand slam against the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park on August 15, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Cubs 7-5. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Phillies vs. Pirates

The Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates play each other in two series per year, once in each team’s ballpark. But it feels like these two teams, who both play in the same state, should play a lot more than that.

It almost feels like a disservice to fans that these two teams are not in the same division after the fierce matchups they had prior to realignment in 1994. Having these two teams play up to about 20 games in a season could lead to some competitive action.

About a five hour trip on the Pennsylvania Turnpike is what separates PNC Park from Citizen Bank Park and that could be a frequent drive for these teams this summer. Outside of hockey, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is not that big of a rivalry.

With the cities’ football teams set to square off in 2020, in addition to many more matchups between the Phillies and Pirates this season, the tensions between the two cities on the East and West of Pennsylvania could increase very soon.

A revamped rivalry between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia will be a welcome sight for many baseball fans in 2020.

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