The eagerly anticipated 2024 Subway Series between the New York Mets and New York Yankees is set to reach its climax next week in the Bronx. The Mets, who delivered a commanding two-game sweep against their rivals at Citi Field last month, will be looking to maintain their upper hand. However, the Yankees, playing on home turf, are determined to avenge their earlier losses and deliver a blow to their crosstown adversaries.
For both teams, the stakes couldn't be higher as they fight tooth and nail for their postseason dreams. The Mets have showcased an impressive run since June 1, boasting a record of 25-13. With an overall tally standing at 49-46, the Mets currently hold the third National League wild-card spot. On the pitching front, the Mets have announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will be their starters for the two crucial Subway Series games.
Notably absent from the lineup, however, will be Mets pitcher Luis Severino, who parted ways with the Yankees during the recent offseason. Despite an impressive season, during which he has thrown 109 2/3 innings with a 3.78 ERA, Severino won't face his former team this Series. Reflecting on his relationship with the Yankees, Severino noted, "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. It's always friendly competition with players I've already played with. It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
The Yankees, holding a stellar 58-40 record, stand just one game shy of the AL East lead and possess the fourth-best record in baseball. Trouncing adversaries with their offensive prowess, they have emerged as the highest-scoring team in majors, averaging 4.98 runs per game. Yet, their journey hasn't been without hurdles. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have shown exceptional form, hitting .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs since June 22. On the flip side, the remaining Yankees lineup has struggled, hitting only .214/.283/.354 with 16 home runs across the same period.
A particularly significant disruption came on June 22 when Giancarlo Stanton was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Before his injury, Stanton had belted 18 home runs with a .795 OPS, providing substantial firepower to the Yankees lineup. Stanton has recently resumed full agility drills, indicating a possible return that could prove pivotal for the Bronx Bombers as the season progresses.
As both teams gear up for this final face-off, the implications of this Subway Series installment extend beyond just bragging rights. The outcome will carry substantial playoff ramifications, influencing the path each team will take as they angle for a position in the postseason. Mets fans will be looking to their team to replicate their earlier success against the Yankees, while Yankees supporters will hope their team can leverage the support of the Bronx faithful to turn the tide.
The electrifying energy and enduring rivalry that define the Subway Series are set to be amplified as the Mets and Yankees, both in the contention for the postseason, clash at Yankee Stadium. Fans from both sides of New York City will be watching closely, with dreams of October glory hanging in the balance.