As the National League celebrates its 150th anniversary, the question arises: has the Los Angeles Dodgers' sustained success propelled the NL past the AL? This query is fueled by the Dodgers' pursuit of a third consecutive World Series title. Examining interleague play results and team performance offers insights into the current balance of power between the leagues.

Interleague play data from the 2025 season reveals a slight edge for the American League, winning 367 games to 353. However, the performance of the Colorado Rockies skews the numbers. The NL held an advantage in 2023 and 2024, when the number of interleague games expanded. The quality of play across both leagues is a key indicator of competitive balance.

The Dodgers' impact on the NL mirrors the effect the New York Yankees had on the AL during their late 90s and early 2000s dynasty. As the Yankees dominated, other AL teams invested in improving their squads. The pressure to compete at the highest level is a constant in MLB.

With a new collective bargaining agreement on the horizon, the MLB landscape could shift. The league may consider realignment, potentially along geographic lines. The current season and its outcomes will further shape the ongoing debate of which league is currently stronger, the NL or AL.