The Los Angeles Dodgers are ready to defend their World Series titles in 2026, aiming for the vaunted three-peat to etch their names into baseball immortality, and it will be no small feat if they manage to do so.
World Series are won in the postseason, which happens in October, a little over six months after Opening Day, but the regular season is the true foundation of any deep playoff run.
The refinement done in the regular season from seasoned veterans and the emergence of lesser-known players is what help build champions.
The regular season can become a slog for both fans and players, as it spans 162 games, but there are some marquee matchups that fans can’t miss and special nights when a player is celebrated with a specific giveaway.
Here are just 10 games fans cannot miss during the 2026 season:
March 27 vs. D-Backs: World Series Ring Ceremony
Dodgers fans have gotten used to ring ceremonies, but they never lose their luster. This time, Kershaw will be making his return for the night to get his well-deserved third World Series ring.
The Dodgers go all-out for their celebrations, and this promises to be no exception. Also, this should be a game filled with runs from the Dodgers and a nice, easy win.
March 31 vs. Guardians: Yoshi Bobblehead
Promotions are rarely so perfect, but the Dodgers and Nintendo killed the Yoshi Bobblehead night. The rollout was amazing, with videos referencing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, whose nickname is “Yoshi.”
It is expected to resell for a lot of money and will be a great keepsake for all fans. Much like the D-Backs, the Guardians should not pose too much of a threat to the Dodgers, making it likely that they walk away with a win.
April 13 vs. Mets: Hello Kitty Hoodie
How about Edwin Diaz facing off against his old team, getting a Hello Kitty Hoodie, and scouting a potential contender for the Dodgers to face in the postseason, all in one ticket?
The Mets spent big this offseason, though they lost Diaz to the Dodgers. All of their moves have them in contention, and this could be the continuation of the rivalry.
April 24 vs. Cubs: Kyle Tucker’s return + Date Night Blanket
Other than Diaz, Tucker was the other big fish to land in Los Angeles. He left the Chicago Cubs, who could not really afford him, for the Dodgers in a massive signing.
This will be one of his first games against his former team, and the Dodgers may face Michael Conforto, whose season-long slump in 2025 drew the ire of fans.
As a travel perk, fans will get a nifty blanket to share with loved ones.
May 29 vs. Phillies: Title Contender + Alex Vesia Bobblehead
The Phillies were arguably the best team to take down the Dodgers on paper. They were the favorites to win the series, but they faltered. However, they are keeping most of their roster and should be looking to avenge their 2026 loss.
Also, considering all the personal challenges Vesia faced in 2025, it will be nice to celebrate such a fan-favorite and exuberant personality.
June 20 vs. Orioles: Shaq Bobblehead + Sneaky contender
The Baltimore Orioles did something they don’t really do often — spend money. They managed to land Pete Alonso, and with a healthy squad, they are expected to factor into the AL East race.
The Orioles played the Dodgers tough last year, and in 2026, that should remain the case. Additionally, fans get a Shaquille O’Neal bobblehead in a Lakers crossover, which they should expect more of in the coming years.
July 4 vs. Padres: Rivalry
The Padres are the little brother to the Dodgers, but there is definitely a rivalry. Dodgers fans always get up when the Padres roll up, and so do the San Diego players — making these series must-see.
July 31 vs. Red Sox: Kyle Tucker Bobblehead
The AL East is loaded once again in 2026, and the Red Sox are looking quite mighty. The Dodgers could be facing them in the World Series come late October if everything goes right for Boston, making this game all the more interesting.
Also, Kyle Tucker gets a bobblehead as the highest-paid player after deferrals on the team this year.
August 14 vs. Brewers: Clayton Kershaw bobblehead + NLCS rematch
Kershaw won’t be doing much other than serving as an analyst for NBC, so he will likely show up for his bobblehead night at Dodger Stadium.
The franchise’s best pitcher ever will get a night to be celebrated, and it comes against the team that the Dodgers beat in the NLCS.
The Brewers likely will regress in 2026, but they will get up for some regular-season revenge during this series.
Sept. 22 vs. Padres: Division Race
The Dodgers should have the division wrapped up by this point, but that was supposed to be the case in 2025, and things did not go to plan.
The division could be at stake during this series, whether it’s the Padres’ head-to-head or their divisional record for a possible tiebreaker.
