Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Why MLB Is Taking a Chance With 2026 Mets-Phillies Field of Dreams Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated Aug 24, 2025 10:35 AM ET

If you build it, and you remember that you built it, then the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will come.

USA Today reported on Sunday that Juan Soto’s Mets and Bryce Harper’s Phillies will clash in the Field of Dreams Game next June. MLB last held the Field of Dreams Game, which naturally takes place in Dyersville, Iowa, in August 2022.

Interestingly, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale added that the 2026 Field of Dreams Game will take place in June rather than August. Both the 2021 and 2022 events occurred in August.

Neither Major League Baseball nor either team had confirmed the report at publication.

On the one hand, it’s great to hear that the Field of Dreams Game will return in 2026. The 2021 showdown between the Yankees and White Sox is among the most memorable regular-season games in recent memory, largely because of the presentation; both wore classic uniforms, walked out from the cornfields, and battled in a thrilling 9-8 White Sox walk-off win.

However, that’s not to say we believe picking the Mets and Phillies is the perfect choice. In fact, the decision has us slightly concerned and skeptical.

Could MLB Regret Using the Mets and Phillies for the Field of Dreams Game?

We understand the appeal of having division rivals play in the Field of Dreams Game. A Mets-Phillies duel sounds far more intriguing than, say, the Mets and Angels or the Phillies and Diamondbacks.

However, there’s a serious risk in two teams from the same division playing in the Field of Dreams Game. Remember: the aptly-named Field of Dreams is an extremely hitter-friendly ballpark, even though the stadium has MLB dimensions.

Every game matters in the division race, especially considering that teams now play 13 head-to-head games rather than 19. Voluntarily using an alternate game, even if it’s only a one-night event in a ballpark with MLB dimensions, for a division game feels wrong. But the potential rewards often outweigh the risk. Assuming that neither team is 10 games under .500 by that point, the Field of Dreams Game should be a ratings hit, and isn’t that what matters?

We have one request, though. Please let both teams wear throwback uniforms instead of any alternates.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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