Next week in the Bronx, the 2024 Subway Series will reach its climax, as the New York Mets and New York Yankees face off in what promises to be a highly charged showdown. Last month, the Mets asserted their dominance with a robust two-game sweep at Citi Field. Now, the Yankees will aim to return the favor on their home turf.
The stakes couldn't be higher for both teams, with each fighting tooth and nail for their postseason dreams. The Mets are currently riding high, having enjoyed an exceptional run since June 1 with a record of 25-13, propelling them to a 49-46 overall mark. Their strong performance has earned them the third National League wild-card spot, but they cannot afford to relax.
The Yankees, meanwhile, sport an impressive 58-40 record and stand just one game shy of leading the AL East. Their overall performance places them fourth in baseball rankings. However, the path has not been entirely smooth, particularly in light of Giancarlo Stanton's struggle with a hamstring injury since June 22. Before his sidelining, Stanton had belted 18 home runs and posted a .795 OPS, and his absence has been palpable. Though he's recently resumed full agility drills, his return to peak performance remains uncertain.
At the core of the Yankees' lineup, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been spectacular, hitting .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs since June 22. In stark contrast, the remaining Yankees have hit a combined .214/.283/.354 with 16 home runs across 19 games since the same date. The team’s ability to maintain its highest-scoring status, averaging 4.98 runs per game entering the second half of the season, is commendable given these adversities.
However, it's not just their offensive prowess that's being tested. The Yankees have strategic considerations to manage, particularly with pitching rotations and the psychological dimensions of facing former teammates. Notably, Mets pitcher Luis Severino will not be facing his old team in this series following his departure from the Yankees during the recent offseason. Severino has had a solid season, throwing 109 2/3 innings with a 3.78 ERA. Speaking about his former teammates, Severino 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."
This Subway Series installment holds significant implications, carrying substantial playoff ramifications for both teams. The Mets have announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will be their starting pitchers for the two games. The choice of these pitchers speaks to the strategic depth the Mets are employing, given their need to solidify their wild-card standing.
All eyes will be on these matchups as the Mets and Yankees bring their season-long battle to a crescendo. The energy in the Bronx will be electric, with fans from both sides hoping their team can edge closer to securing a playoff berth. For the Mets, it's an opportunity to cement their recent upswing and hold onto their wildcard spot. For the Yankees, it is a chance to regain momentum and push toward the top of the AL East.
In one aspect, both teams are united – their unwavering pursuit of post-season glory. The exact outcomes remain to be seen, but one thing is certain: baseball enthusiasts are in for two games filled with passion, strategy, and high-level competition.