5. Washington Nationals 2015-Present
This rivalry is fairly new, but it’s strong enough to take the fifth spot on the list. Although there isn’t too much notable history between the two teams, last season’s division title race laid the groundwork for what’s sure to be a long standing rivalry for years to come.
Bryce Harper‘s 2015 spring training statement of “Where’s my ring” couldn’t have sat well with a New York Mets team determined to dethrone the reigning division champs. The Nationals dominated the Mets from 2012-2014, going 41-15. It was a case of big brother stepping over little brother. Once the Mets knocked their big brothers of the top of the hill, a rivalry was born.
Harper’s arrogance, Yoenis Cespedes‘s heroics, and Daniel Murphy jumping ships, fueled a fire that has extended into 2016. Now that the two clubs see much more eye to eye, this rivalry is one high and tight fastball away from evolving from two respected competitors to an all out dogfight.
The history might not be there, but you can bet there’s many chapters left to be written between these two divisional foes.
