Next week, the 2024 Subway Series between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees reaches a critical juncture in the Bronx. This storied rivalry, rekindled each season, promises even more intensity as both teams vie for postseason glory.
A Tale of Two Teams
The Mets come into the series with wind in their sails, having swept the Yankees in a two-game clash at Citi Field last month. This time, it will be the Bronx Bombers looking to return the favor on their home turf.
On June 1, the Mets embarked on an impressive resurgence, compiling a 25-13 record. Their efforts have positioned them as serious contenders, currently holding the third National League wild-card spot with an overall record of 49-46. Every game counts as they chase a postseason berth, a dream that seemed distant earlier in the season.
The Yankees, on the other hand, have had a solid 58-40 run, placing them just a game shy of the AL East lead. With the fourth-best record in baseball, the Yankees are not just playing for pride but also for a crucial upper hand in the playoff race. A series win over the Mets would further cement their position and potentially catapult them to the top of their division.
Mound Matchups and Missing Rivals
The pitching landscape for the Subway Series was altered with the Mets announcing that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will start the two games. Notably absent from the mound will be former Yankee Luis Severino, who now pitches for their rivals. Severino, who has logged 109 2/3 innings with a commendable 3.78 ERA this season, reflects fondly but competitively on his time in pinstripes.
"We have a group chat, the guys who've been through the Yankees and stayed with the Yankees. They talk s--- about me, like, 'You're afraid of us'. I said, 'I'm not afraid of you guys. Right now you only have two good hitters.' I can walk those two guys," Severino shared with a smile. "It's always friendly competition with players I've already played with." He added, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
Stars and Struggles
A key factor for the Yankees will be the formidable duo of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Both have been on a tear since June 22, hitting .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs. However, the rest of the Yankees lineup has struggled, batting just .214/.283/.354 with 16 home runs in the same span. This disparity underscores the importance of Judge and Soto's performances in the upcoming series.
The Yankees have also had to cope with the absence of Giancarlo Stanton, who suffered a hamstring injury on June 22. Stanton had been a powerhouse, belting 18 home runs with a .795 OPS before his injury. There is hope on the horizon for Yankee fans, as Stanton has resumed full agility drills, hinting at a potential return to the lineup soon.
Offensively, the Yankees remain one of the most potent teams in baseball, leading the league by averaging 4.98 runs per game as they entered the second half of the season. This offensive firepower will be crucial as they look to counter a Mets team intent on keeping their wildcard spot.
Playoff Implications at Stake
This year's Subway Series is more than just a battle for city supremacy; it's laden with significant playoff implications. For both the Mets and the Yankees, each game not only represents a chance to win a cherished rivalry series but also an opportunity to solidify their postseason aspirations.
As the baseball world turns its eyes to the Bronx next week, fans can expect a display of high-stakes drama, where every pitch, hit, and catch could have ripple effects that extend far beyond New York. The stage is set, and both teams are more than ready to etch their names in this chapter of the Subway Series history.