As the 2024 Subway Series between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees reaches its climax next week in the Bronx, anticipation is at a fever pitch. The Mets, who delivered a resounding two-game sweep at Citi Field last month, are eager to continue their dominance. Meanwhile, the Yankees will look to reclaim their pride and return the favor on their home turf.
Subway Series' High Stakes
Both teams are in fierce contention for their postseason dreams. The Mets have been on a stellar run since June 1, boasting a remarkable 25-13 record. This impressive performance has brought them to an overall record of 49-46, placing them currently in the third National League wild-card spot.
On the other side, the Yankees maintain a formidable 58-40 record, trailing just one game behind the AL East lead. With the fourth-best record in baseball, the Yankees are certainly no pushovers. Both teams recognize that this series holds significant playoff implications, making every pitch and every at-bat critical.
Pitching Matchups and Key Players
The Mets have announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will start the two crucial games in the Bronx. However, one notable absence from the mound 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, won't be facing his former team this time around.
Reflecting on his time with the Yankees, Severino shared some insights. "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 remains hopeful for a future matchup, stating, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
Offensive Dynamics
The offensive dynamics of both teams could be the decisive factor in this series. The Yankees' lineup has been a tale of two halves recently. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been exceptional since June 22, hitting .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs. However, the rest of the Yankees’ lineup has struggled, managing only a .214/.283/.354 slash line with 16 home runs over 19 games in the same period.
An added layer to the Yankees' offensive story is the return of Giancarlo Stanton. Sidelined with a hamstring injury since June 22, Stanton had been a significant contributor with 18 home runs and a .795 OPS prior to his injury. Stanton has now resumed full agility drills, and his presence in the lineup could be a game-changer.
Highest-Scoring Team
The Yankees enter the second half of the season as the highest-scoring team in baseball, averaging 4.98 runs per game. This offensive prowess will be put to the test against a Mets team that is equally hungry for victory.
As the Subway Series approaches its dramatic conclusion, the stakes couldn't be higher. With substantial playoff ramifications on the line, fans can expect a thrilling showdown between these two iconic New York teams. Every swing, every pitch, and every play will resonate far beyond the walls of Yankee Stadium.