The 2024 Subway Series between the New York Mets and New York Yankees reaches its climax next week in the Bronx, setting the stage for a showdown that promises to be one of the most intense in recent memory. Following a resounding two-game sweep by the Mets at Citi Field last month, anticipation is high as the Yankees seek to return the favor on home turf.
For both teams, the stakes couldn’t be higher, as they continue their relentless fight for postseason dreams. Coming into the final games of the series, the Mets have enjoyed a stellar run since June 1, amassing a record of 25-13, bringing their overall record to 49-46. This impressive performance has catapulted them into the third National League wild-card spot.
Pitching Lineup and Key Players
As the Mets head into this crucial series, they’ve announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will be starting the two Subway Series games. Conspicuously absent from the lineup is Mets pitcher Luis Severino, who parted ways with the Yankees during the recent offseason. Despite not facing his former team in this series, Severino has left an indelible mark this season, throwing 109 2/3 innings with a 3.78 ERA.
Severino remains in good spirits despite the circumstances. Reflecting on his relationship with his former teammates, 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 also added optimistically, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
Yankees’ Quest for Dominance
From the Yankees' perspective, their 58-40 record places them just one game shy of the AL East lead. As the team holds the fourth-best record in baseball, they are hungry to reclaim their dominance. Their offense has been led by stellar performances from Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, both of whom have hit .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs since June 22.
However, the Yankees lineup has faced challenges, with the rest of the team hitting a collective .214/.283/.354 with 16 home runs across 19 games since June 22. Particularly notable is the absence of Giancarlo Stanton, sidelined with a hamstring injury on June 22. Prior to the injury, Stanton had contributed significantly with 18 home runs and a .795 OPS. Encouragingly, Stanton has resumed full agility drills recently, hinting at a possible return.
High-Scoring Yankees
Despite these hurdles, the Yankees have maintained their status as the highest-scoring team in baseball, averaging 4.98 runs per game entering the second half of the season. The resilience and depth of their lineup will be critical as they look to capitalize on their home-field advantage in the upcoming series.
The significance of this Subway Series installment cannot be overstated. As it carries substantial playoff ramifications for both teams, fans can anticipate a series rich in drama and high-stakes baseball. For the Mets, securing victories would solidify their wildcard position, while the Yankees look to gain ground in their divisional race.
As the Bronx prepares to host this electrifying conclusion, the anticipation is palpable. Both teams are ready to give it their all, driven by the shared goal of postseason glory. With both squads playing for their playoff lives, the Subway Series is set to deliver baseball at its finest—a battle where every pitch, swing, and play could determine the fate of their seasons.