As the 2024 Subway Series between the New York Mets and New York Yankees reaches its climax next week in the Bronx, fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown. The Mets, who delivered a resounding two-game sweep at Citi Field last month, will now face the Yankees on their home turf, where the stakes could not be higher.
Mets and Yankees: A Fight for Postseason Dreams
Both teams are locked in a fierce battle for their postseason aspirations. The Mets, boasting an impressive 25-13 record since June 1, currently hold an overall record of 49-46 and occupy the third National League wild-card spot. Their recent performance has been nothing short of stellar as they strive to secure their spot in the postseason.
The Yankees, on the other hand, are not far behind in terms of aspirations and achievements. Sporting a 58-40 record, they find themselves just one game shy of the AL East lead and possess the fourth-best record in baseball. Their consistent performance has kept them in contention, and their reputation as the highest-scoring team in baseball—with an average of 4.98 runs per game entering the second half of the season—only adds to their formidable presence on the field.
Pitching Lineups and Missing Faces
The Mets have announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will start the two Subway Series games. One notable absence from the pitcher’s mound will be Luis Severino, who parted ways with the Yankees during the recent offseason. Despite Severino’s impressive season stats—109 2/3 innings pitched with a 3.78 ERA—he will not face his former team in this series.
Severino’s departure hasn’t stopped him from staying in touch with his former teammates, as he shared, "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." He added, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
Yankees' Offensive Power and Injuries
The Yankees’ lineup, however, has faced its own share of challenges. While stars like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have combined to hit .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs since June 22, the rest of the Yankees lineup has struggled, hitting .214/.283/.354 with 16 home runs across 19 games since the same date. The absence of Giancarlo Stanton has been particularly felt. Sidelined with a hamstring injury since June 22, Stanton had been a powerhouse in the lineup, belting 18 home runs with a .795 OPS before his injury. Now, on the mend, Stanton has resumed full agility drills and could soon make a much-needed return.
As the Subway Series looms, both teams are aware of the substantial playoff ramifications. The Mets and Yankees are poised for a critical juncture in their respective seasons, where every game could define their path forward. The anticipation is palpable, and the rivalry, as storied as it is fierce, promises to deliver high-stakes baseball at its finest.
For the Mets, this series is an opportunity to solidify their wild-card standing and carry their momentum forward. For the Yankees, it’s a chance to reclaim dominance and edge closer to the AL East lead. Both teams are fighting for every inch, every run, and every game, knowing that the outcome of this Subway Series could very well shape their postseason destinies.
In the heart of the Bronx next week, baseball fans will witness not just a game, but a clash of titans, with New York’s finest vying for glory on one of the sport’s grandest stages. Whether it’s the roaring offense of the Yankees or the determined resilience of the Mets, the 2024 Subway Series is set to be a chapter worth remembering in this legendary rivalry.