The 2024 Subway Series between the New York Mets and New York Yankees is set to reach its climax next week in the Bronx, and anticipation is high. The rivalry saw the Mets deliver a resounding two-game sweep at Citi Field last month, and now the Yankees will look to return the favor on their home turf.
Both teams are embroiled in a fierce struggle for their postseason dreams. The Mets have enjoyed a stellar run since June 1, boasting a 25-13 record during this period. Overall, they sit at 49-46 and currently occupy the third National League wild-card spot. On the mound for the Mets will be Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea, both tasked with navigating a potent Yankees lineup. Notably missing from the Mets’ pitching rotation in this series is Luis Severino, who parted ways with the Yankees during the recent offseason. Severino, despite throwing 109 2/3 innings with a 3.78 ERA this season, won’t face his former team this time around.
Severino shared his feelings about missing out on this series, highlighting the competitive camaraderie he maintains with his former teammates. "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," said Severino. Adding, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
On the other side of the diamond, the Yankees are also in a fierce battle for October baseball. With a record of 58-40, they are one game shy of the AL East lead and hold the fourth-best record in baseball. However, their success has come with challenges. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been stellar, hitting .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs since June 22, but the rest of the lineup has struggled, hitting .214/.283/.354 with 16 home runs across 19 games in the same period.
The absence of Giancarlo Stanton has been a significant factor. Stanton, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury on June 22, had belted 18 home runs with a .795 OPS prior to his injury. News of Stanton resuming full agility drills recently provides a glimmer of hope for a reinvigorated Yankees lineup moving forward.
Despite these challenges, the Yankees are the highest-scoring team in baseball, averaging 4.98 runs per game as they entered the second half of the season. This offensive prowess will be crucial as they look to counter a resilient Mets squad in games that carry significant implications for both teams.
This Subway Series installment holds substantial playoff ramifications, making it much more than bragging rights between New York's baseball juggernauts. With both teams fighting to secure their spots in the postseason, the intensity is sure to be palpable on and off the field. Fans can expect a series filled with exhilarating moments and strategic maneuvering as these rivals clash with high stakes in the Bronx. As the Mets and Yankees gear up for this pivotal showdown, baseball aficionados have every reason to be captivated by one of the sport’s most storied rivalries.