The 2024 Subway Series between the New York Mets and New York Yankees is set to reach its thrilling peak next week in the Bronx. With both teams vying for postseason berths, the stakes could not be higher for the storied rivals.
Last month, the Mets delivered a decisive two-game sweep at Citi Field, a reminder of their recent dominance. Now, the Yankees are looking to return the favor on their home turf, eager to shift the momentum in their favor.
As the Mets continue their climb toward playoff contention, they boast an impressive record of 25-13 since June 1. Currently holding an overall record of 49-46, the Mets occupy the crucial third National League wild-card spot. Every win is a vital step towards securing their postseason dreams.
On the pitching front, the Mets have announced that veterans Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will take the mound for the Subway Series games. Notably absent will be former Yankee Luis Severino, who parted ways with the team during the recent offseason. Severino, who has thrown 109 2/3 innings with a 3.78 ERA this season, spoke candidly about the upcoming series. "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," Severino shared. He added, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
While the Mets are making strides, the Yankees, with a formidable 58-40 record, sit just one game shy of the AL East lead and hold the fourth-best record in baseball. The Yankees' lineup, powered by stars like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, has been impressive. Since June 22, Judge and Soto have combined to hit .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs. However, the rest of the lineup has struggled, managing a .214/.283/.354 line with 16 home runs across 19 games in that same span.
The Yankees have faced their share of adversity, notably the loss of Giancarlo Stanton to a hamstring injury on June 22. Before his injury, Stanton had belted 18 home runs with a .795 OPS. Fans will be pleased to know that Stanton has recently resumed full agility drills, hinting at a possible return.
Despite their lineup's recent struggles, the Yankees hold the distinction of being the highest-scoring team in baseball, averaging 4.98 runs per game as they enter the second half of the season. This explosive offense will be crucial as they look to overcome the Mets in a series that promises significant playoff ramifications for both teams.
With the postseason dreams of both teams hanging in the balance, this year's Subway Series is more than just a rivalry; it's a high-stakes battle. Both the Mets and Yankees are fighting for their position in October baseball, and these upcoming games could very well be pivotal in determining the direction of their respective seasons.
The anticipation surrounding the series is palpable, and fans from both sides of New York will be eagerly watching to see which team can assert their dominance. Whether it's the potent offense of the Yankees or the steadfast pitching of the Mets, the outcome of this clash could resonate throughout the remainder of the season.
As the Subway Series heads to the Bronx, one thing is certain: baseball fans are in for a dramatic, high-energy showdown with both teams leaving it all on the field.