The 2024 Subway Series between the New York Mets and the New York Yankees is set to reach its thrilling climax next week in the Bronx. The Mets, fresh off a resounding two-game sweep at Citi Field last month, are looking to solidify their postseason aspirations.
The upcoming games are laden with significance for both teams. The Mets, currently holding the third National League wild-card spot, are enjoying a stellar run since June 1 with a record of 25-13, bringing their overall tally to 49-46. The Yankees, with a 58-40 record, are just one game shy of the AL East lead and hold the fourth-best record in baseball.
High Stakes in the Bronx
The anticipation is palpable as the Yankees aim to return the favor on their home turf. Both teams are vying to maintain their postseason trajectories, making every pitch, hit, and run critical. The Yankees, being the highest-scoring team in baseball, average 4.98 runs per game entering the second half of the season, underscoring the offensive threat they pose.
A significant element of the series is the pitching matchups. The Mets have announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will start the two Subway Series games. Notably, Mets pitcher Luis Severino will not face his former team in this series. Severino, who parted ways with the Yankees during the recent offseason, has been an influential presence on the mound this season with 109 2/3 innings pitched and a 3.78 ERA.
Severino's Absence and Friendly Rivalries
Sharing insights into his camaraderie with former teammates, Severino said, "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." Despite his absence in the series, Severino looks forward to the future with optimism, stating, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
Offensive Dynamics
The Yankees' offensive dynamics have been a talking point, particularly with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto’s impressive stats since June 22, hitting .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs. However, the rest of the Yankees lineup has hit .214/.283/.354 with 16 home runs across 19 games since the same date. Giancarlo Stanton’s absence due to a hamstring injury on June 22 has been felt, as he had belted 18 home runs with a .795 OPS before being sidelined. Encouragingly, Stanton has recently resumed full agility drills, marking a step towards his return.
Playoff Ramifications
This iteration of the Subway Series is more than just a battle for city bragging rights; it’s pivotal for both teams' playoff hopes. The Mets are fighting to keep their wild card spot, while the Yankees are striving to take the lead in the AL East. The recent performances and strategic moves will likely define the remainder of their seasons.
The upcoming games in the Bronx promise to be a showcase of high-stakes baseball, where every moment will be scrutinized and savored by fans and players alike. With both teams' postseason dreams hanging in the balance, this Subway Series is set to be a memorable clash in the storied rivalry between the Mets and the Yankees.