Yankees vs Dodgers Picks and Prediction – 5/31/2025

The New York Yankees (35–20) and Los Angeles Dodgers (34–22) reignite their storied rivalry on Friday night in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2024 World Series. First pitch is set for 10:10 PM ET at Dodger Stadium, with national coverage on Apple TV+. Both teams sit atop their respective divisions and bring elite offenses and star-studded lineups into this three-game set. With MVP candidates and Cy Young contenders on both sides, this series has the potential to be one of the season’s most compelling matchups. Get in on all the baseball action with our free MLB picks.

The Yankees arrive in Los Angeles riding a hot streak, having won 16 of their last 20 games. Leading the charge is Aaron Judge, who is putting up historic numbers with a .391 batting average, 18 home runs, and 47 RBIs. New York’s pitching staff has been anchored by offseason acquisition Max Fried, who enters Friday’s game with a 7–0 record, a 1.29 ERA, and a 0.93 WHIP over 70 innings. Fried’s ability to generate ground balls and limit hard contact has been crucial in the absence of ace Gerrit Cole, who is out for the season following Tommy John surgery.

The Dodgers counter with right-hander Tony Gonsolin (2–1, 4.68 ERA), who will look to contain a Yankees lineup that leads MLB with a 130 wRC+ . Los Angeles boasts a formidable offense of its own, led by Shohei Ohtani, the first player to reach 20 home runs this season, and Freddie Freeman, who is batting .359 with a .617 slugging percentage. Despite some injuries in their pitching staff, the Dodgers have maintained strong home performance, with a 19–8 record at Dodger Stadium.

This series opener features two of the league’s best teams, each with potent offenses and top-tier pitching. With Max Fried on the mound, the Yankees are the side here. Fried has been unstoppable and we will back the Yankees to win an exciting game on Friday. Prediction: Yankees win 5-4.