The Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees represent two of Major League Baseball’s most iconic, successful, and fan-favored franchises. Both are perennial contenders in their respective leagues, boasting Hall of Famers, record-breaking moments, and impassioned fan bases. If you’re searching for “Dodgers vs. Yankees match player stats,” this article will walk you through:
- Their historic rivalry and World Series clashes
- All-time head-to-head records
- Real 2023 season stats, including highlights from the June 2023 interleague series
- Advanced metrics like OPS+, WAR, FIP
- Key FAQs and fun facts
Historic Dodgers vs. Yankees Rivalry
Roots of the Rivalry
The rivalry began in the early 20th century when the Dodgers were still in Brooklyn. New York was home to three MLB teams (Yankees, Giants, Dodgers), but the spotlight shone brightest when the Brooklyn Dodgers squared off against the New York Yankees in the World Series. Though the Dodgers eventually moved to Los Angeles in 1958, the aura of a Yankees-Dodgers duel never diminished.
World Series Clashes & Key Moments
They have met 11 times in the World Series:
- First meeting: 1941 (Yankees won)
- Dodgers’ first Series victory over the Yankees: 1955 (Brooklyn finally “waited till next year”)
- Memorable series: 1963 (Sandy Koufax-led Dodgers swept the Yankees in four games)
- Most recent matchup: 1981 (Dodgers emerged victorious)
In total, the Yankees have claimed 8 of those 11 World Series showdowns, while the Dodgers have prevailed 3 times.
All-Time Head-to-Head Records
Overall Win-Loss Record (Regular Season & Postseason)
Postseason (World Series) Tally
- Yankees: 8 championships vs. Dodgers
- Dodgers: 3 championships vs. Yankees
Regular Season (Interleague) Record
Since interleague play began in 1997, the Yankees and Dodgers have only met sporadically. While exact records can shift with each series, the two teams remained nearly neck-and-neck in regular-season encounters heading into 2023. (Some sources indicate the Yankees hold a slight edge—by 1-2 games—across these limited interleague matchups.)
Interleague Highlights
- In 2013, the Yankees visited Dodger Stadium for the first time in the regular season.
- In 2019, a star-studded showdown saw both teams near the top of their respective leagues.
- In 2023, the Yankees traveled to Los Angeles in early June, providing fans a preview of what many hoped might become a future World Series matchup.
Current Season Overview (Focusing on 2023)
Final Standings & Key Outcomes
- Los Angeles Dodgers (2023):
- Record: 100-62
- Won the National League West
- Reached the postseason but were eliminated in the NLDS
- New York Yankees (2023):
- Record: 82-80
- 4th in the American League East
- Missed the postseason for the first time since 2016
Though 2023 proved disappointing for the Yankees, the Dodgers continued to showcase their regular-season dominance.
Injuries & Roster Changes
- Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw dealt with shoulder issues, limiting his innings late in the season. Key starters like Walker Buehler remained out for the year (Tommy John recovery).
- Yankees: Aaron Judge missed nearly two months after injuring a toe at Dodger Stadium; pitchers like Frankie Montas and Nestor Cortes Jr. battled various injuries.
These injuries strongly influenced each team’s performance and final standings.
June 2023 Interleague Series Recap (Real Data)
The Yankees visited Dodger Stadium from June 2–4, 2023, taking 2 of 3 games:
- June 2, 2023: Yankees 6, Dodgers 3
- WP: Gerrit Cole (7.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 5 K)
- LP: Clayton Kershaw (7.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 K)
- HRs: Jake Bauers (2), Anthony Volpe (1), Mookie Betts (1)
- June 3, 2023: Dodgers 9, Yankees 3
- WP: Michael Grove (5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 4 K)
- LP: Domingo Germán (6.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 6 K)
- HRs: J.D. Martinez (1), Gleyber Torres (1), Mookie Betts (1)
- June 4, 2023: Yankees 4, Dodgers 1
- WP: Clarke Schmidt (5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 5 K)
- LP: Bobby Miller (6.0 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 7 K)
- HRs: Jake Bauers (1)
Despite their overall struggles in 2023, the Yankees showcased strong starting pitching and timely power in this series, including breakout performances by Jake Bauers. The Dodgers rebounded with an offensive onslaught in Game 2, but ultimately dropped 2 of 3 at home.
Key Player Stats and Comparisons
Batting Leaders (2023)
Below are some 2023 season slash lines (BA/OBP/SLG) and key stats for top hitters on each team:
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Mookie Betts: .307 / .408 / .579, 39 HR, 107 RBI, 14 SB, 7.9 WAR
- Freddie Freeman: .331 / .410 / .567, 29 HR, 102 RBI, 23 SB, 6.1 WAR
- J.D. Martinez: .271 / .321 / .572, 33 HR, 103 RBI
New York Yankees
- Aaron Judge: .289 / .404 / .674, 37 HR, 75 RBI in 106 G, 6.9 WAR
- Gleyber Torres: .273 / .347 / .453, 25 HR, 68 RBI
- Anthony Rizzo (struggled post-injury): .244 / .328 / .378, 12 HR, 41 RBI
(WAR values are approximate per publicly available metrics. Exact numbers may vary slightly by source.)
Pitching Showdown (2023)
Los Angeles Dodgers
- Clayton Kershaw (Age 35 season): 2.46 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 137 K in 131.2 IP, 3.4 WAR
- Julio Urías: 4.60 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 117 K in 117.1 IP (struggled with injuries and consistency)
- Bobby Miller (Rookie): 3.76 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 119 K in 124.1 IP
New York Yankees
- Gerrit Cole: 2.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 222 K in 209 IP, 6.6 WAR (Cy Young Award winner for 2023)
- Nestor Cortes Jr.: Injuries limited him to 65 IP, 4.97 ERA
- Clarke Schmidt: 4.64 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 149 K in 159 IP
Defensive Standouts
- Mookie Betts (Dodgers): Multiple Gold Gloves, elite range in right field and plus defense at second base when needed.
- Aaron Judge (Yankees): Excellent defender in right field and center field with a strong arm, despite his size.
- Freddie Freeman (Dodgers): Known for soft hands and solid defensive metrics at first base.
Several advanced defensive stats (e.g., DRS, UZR) confirm that Betts and Judge rank among the best at their positions.
Year-by-Year Player Stats Table
Below is a compact table highlighting select player stats from recent Dodgers vs. Yankees interleague matchups (specifically 2019 and 2023, as these were their most recent series before potential future showdowns):
| Year | Player | Team | AVG / ERA | HR | RBI / K | Notable |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Aaron Judge | NYY | .272 | 27 | 55 RBI | Missed time (injury) |
| 2019 | Clayton Kershaw | LAD | 3.03 ERA | — | 189 K | 16-5 record, All-Star |
| 2019 | Mookie Betts* | BOS/LAD** | .295 | 29 | 80 RBI | Still w/ BOS (traded 2020) |
| 2023 | Aaron Judge | NYY | .289 | 37 | 75 RBI | Missed ~2 months (toe) |
| 2023 | Mookie Betts | LAD | .307 | 39 | 107 RBI | MVP finalist |
| 2023 | Gerrit Cole | NYY | 2.63 ERA | — | 222 K | AL Cy Young winner |
In 2019, Mookie Betts was still on the Red Sox. He joined the Dodgers in 2020.
**Betts’ 2019 stats noted here for reference; no direct LAD vs. NYY series that year with Betts involved.
Real interleague data for each individual game can be found via MLB box scores. The table offers a snapshot of each star’s performance in seasons they overlapped or faced one another (where applicable).
Recent MLB Rule Changes and Impact
Recent MLB changes like the universal DH, pitch clock, and restrictions on defensive shifting have impacted how both teams plan and play:
- Universal DH:
- Benefits stacked lineups like the Dodgers and Yankees, allowing them to add an extra power bat without sacrificing defense.
- Freed up each league’s pitchers from hitting (and possible injuries).
- Pitch Clock:
- Helps maintain a faster pace; pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Clayton Kershaw adapted quickly, though it can challenge pitchers reliant on a slower tempo.
- Shift Restrictions:
- Encouraged more balls in play and benefited pull-heavy hitters (e.g., Anthony Rizzo).
- Conversely, defenses rely more on athletic fielders (Betts, Judge) to cover ground without extreme shifts.
Overall, these changes slightly increased run production but also streamlined games, making matchups more dynamic.
Cultural and Fan Impact
From Brooklyn to the Bronx and now Los Angeles vs. New York, the Dodgers-Yankees rivalry transcends on-field action. Both are among MLB’s biggest brands:
- Merchandise & Media: Dodgers and Yankees rank near the top in jersey sales and local/national TV ratings.
- Fan Bases: Yankee Stadium and Dodger Stadium consistently lead in attendance; each holds iconic status and seats over 45,000 fans.
- West Coast vs. East Coast: Adds a cultural backdrop, especially in postseason narratives when the two markets clash on prime-time TV.
Memorable Player Performances and Trades
Historic Performances
- Don Larsen’s Perfect Game (1956 World Series): The only perfect game in World Series history, pitched against the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 5.
- Reggie Jackson’s 3-HR Game (1977 World Series): Earned the nickname “Mr. October” after belting three homers in a decisive game against the Dodgers.
- Sandy Koufax (1963 World Series): Dominated the Yankees, winning two games and striking out 23 batters in a four-game sweep.
High-Profile Trades
While direct blockbuster trades between the Yankees and Dodgers are relatively rare, a few players have donned both uniforms across their careers. More frequently, these teams compete for marquee free agents (e.g., Gerrit Cole was pursued by the Dodgers before signing with the Yankees). Even minor signings or trades can attract significant media attention, given the franchises’ prestige.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many times have the Dodgers and Yankees faced each other in the World Series?
They’ve met 11 times, with the Yankees winning 8 of those matchups. Key years include 1955 (Dodgers’ first title) and 1963 (Koufax’s dominance).
Who leads in overall head-to-head wins between the Dodgers and the Yankees?
The Yankees maintain a slight edge historically, including both regular-season interleague play and World Series matchups.
Which players have the best batting averages in Dodgers vs. Yankees matchups?
Historically, legends like Mickey Mantle, Duke Snider, and Pee Wee Reese stood out. In modern times, high-contact hitters such as Freddie Freeman (Dodgers) and a healthy Aaron Judge (Yankees) often post strong stats in head-to-head matchups.
Has there ever been a perfect game thrown in a Dodgers vs. Yankees matchup?
Yes. Don Larsen threw a perfect game for the Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series—still the only perfect game in World Series history.
What are the most notable trades between the Dodgers and Yankees?
Large-scale trades are rare. Each franchise typically operates independently, often signing big free agents. However, smaller trades or player acquisitions (e.g., relief pitchers, depth infielders) do occur and spark fan discussions.
Who has more World Series titles, Dodgers or Yankees?
The Yankees have 27 total, the most in MLB history. The Dodgers have won 7 total (including their 2020 championship).
Who are the standout pitchers for the Dodgers and Yankees in recent years?
- Dodgers: Clayton Kershaw remains an ace; Julio Urías and emerging talents like Bobby Miller also feature prominently.
- Yankees: Gerrit Cole led the AL in 2023, winning the Cy Young Award. Nestor Cortes Jr. broke out in 2022 but struggled with injuries in 2023.
How do modern rule changes affect Dodgers vs. Yankees games?
The universal DH can boost offense for both lineups. The pitch clock keeps pitchers like Kershaw and Cole in a rhythm, though it can challenge slower workers. Shift restrictions elevate the importance of athletic fielders and reduce the advantage of heavy shifts against power hitters.
Conclusion
From Brooklyn to Los Angeles and from Babe Ruth to Aaron Judge, the Dodgers vs. Yankees rivalry captivates fans across generations. Historically, the Yankees hold more World Series victories, yet the Dodgers have asserted modern dominance with recent postseason runs and a 2020 title. In 2023, the Yankees won a tight interleague series in Los Angeles, but the Dodgers ultimately finished with a far better regular-season record.
For a comprehensive look at how these teams stack up, keep an eye on:
- Updated advanced stats like WAR, OPS+, FIP
- Season-by-season performance, especially around injuries or mid-season trades
- Rule changes that might boost offense or reshuffle strategies
If you’re curious about future matchups, stay tuned—given each franchise’s financial might, top-tier farm systems, and proud legacies, every meeting is a must-watch event, full of historical echoes and modern stars.
