Since their expansion into Major League Baseball in 1993, the Colorado Rockies have experienced rivalries with a few National League competitors. Although we’ve seen teams like the Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers get under this team’s skin, there is no truer rival, especially in baseball, than one right in the Rockies division. Many have called the Los Angeles Dodgers or the San Francisco Giants the Rockies biggest rival. However, Colorado has won 40 percent of their games against Los Angeles and 44 percent against San Francisco. Even with the Rockies winning 45 percent of their matchups against the Arizona Diamondbacks, the San Diego Padres are Colorado’s most significant NL West rival.
The San Diego Padres are the Rockies Most Significant NL West Rival
We’ve seen both the Dodgers and the Giants frustrate the Rockies. In past seasons, the losses from these two teams cause the Rockies to lose a ton of momentum within the postseason race. Within the division, the Rockies only have a winning percentage against the Padres. With a 267-248 franchise record against the Padres, Colorado has won about 52 percent of their games against this NL West rival. However, the past few seasons against San Diego have not been as kind as in years prior. In 2023, the Rockies composed a 4-9 record against the Padres. Colorado lost their last five regular season matchups against this loaded San Diego squad. The Rockies put up their worst record within the rivalry last season and in 2015. They lost five more games than they’ve won, finishing at 4-9 and 7-12 respectively.
Their best record against San Diego was in 2010, when they went 12-6 against the Padres. Throughout their historic rivalry, the Rockies have a run differential of 47. The NL West is composed of championship contenders, especially the past few seasons. Colorado may have had their worst season in franchise history in 2023. Many players, including Kris Bryant, are determined to make this 2024 Rockies team special. In past seasons, the Rockies have won 60 percent of their matchups against the Padres at home and 48 percent of their games in San Diego. Both teams average about five runs a game when they play one another.
How Will This Rivalry Play Out?
Colorado scores about six runs at home and around three runs on the road against the Padres. San Diego scores about four runs when they’re in Colorado and five runs when they play at home. These two teams have been bitter NL West rivals since the very beginning. These two teams have dealt with adversaries from other NL West rivals, but since 1993, it’s been clear that the Rockies have always gone back and forth with the Padres. Both of these teams had very disappointing 2023 seasons for different reasons. San Diego lost a few key pieces during the offseason and will look to make the postseason once again after a disastrous season just a year ago, while the Rockies not only need to prove to themselves but to the entire league that they have quality players capable enough of competing within a tough NL West division.
Main Photo Credits: Byron Hetzler-USA TODAY Sports
