Pedro Martínez's pick for NLDS vs. Phillies will have Dodgers fans laughing out loud

The MLB Division Series kicked off on Saturday, with the Los Angeles Dodgers taking on the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 1 of the NLDS.

The Phillies built a 3-0 lead early, but the Dodgers chipped away and then broke through with a clutch homer from Teoscar Hernández in the seventh inning. Shohei Ohtani delivered a quality start, and the Dodgers bullpen protected the lead to take Game 1.

Following a series sweep of the Cincinnati Reds in the Wild Card round, the Dodgers emerged as favorites to defend their World Series title. Their odds only improved after taking Game 1 from the Phillies. But Hall of Fame pitcher and Emmy-winning analyst Pedro Martínez evidently missed the memo.

"This is a matchup nobody can take their eyes away from," Martinez posted on X, referring to the Dodgers-Phillies series. "I like both teams."

Pedro Martínez's pick for Dodgers-Phillies NLDS isn't actually a pick at all

It’s laughable that Martínez didn’t make a prediction in the Phillies–Dodgers NLDS because someone in his position – a Hall of Famer, award-winning analyst, and former big-game pitcher known for having strong opinions – is expected to actually, you know, take a stand.

When Martínez says he “likes both teams,” that’s not analysis; it’s fence-sitting. Fans look to someone in his position for insight and conviction regarding who has the edge in pitching depth, lineup balance, bullpen reliability or postseason experience. Instead, Martínez essentially gave a non-answer that could apply to literally any matchup.

It’s especially ironic because Martínez has never been shy about opinions when it comes to other players or teams, so suddenly playing neutral comes off as timid or evasive. It dodges accountability – after all, no one can say he was wrong if he never chose a side to begin with.

TV analysts are paid for boldness, not platitudes. When Martínez refuses to make a pick for the NLDS, it feels like he’s ducking the simplest part of the job. If he wanted to talk about how this was the best division series matchup, then sure, this would have been acceptable. But he didn't frame it that way and that's rarely ever even a talking point. The playoffs are the playoffs. Every matchup has its own unique characteristics.

The humor comes from the mismatch between Martínez's reputation – fiery, competitive, outspoken – and the soft, noncommittal “I like both teams.” It’s like watching a legendary power pitcher suddenly lob underhand tosses: technically safe, but not what anyone came to see.