The highly anticipated 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. Fans are gearing up for a showdown that promises fireworks as both teams are fervently fighting for their postseason dreams.
Earlier last month, the Mets delivered a statement-making two-game sweep at Citi Field, and they are now looking to leverage that momentum as they seek to solidify their postseason aspirations. Currently, the Mets hold an overall record of 49-46 and occupy the third National League wild-card spot, a position they've vigorously defended since their stellar run began on June 1st, amassing a 25-13 record.
Mets' Pitching Strategy
The Mets have announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will be taking the mound for the two pivotal Subway Series games. One notable absence from the Mets' pitching lineup is Luis Severino, who won’t face his former team. Severino, who parted ways with the Yankees this past offseason, has been a standout performer this season with 109 2/3 innings pitched and a 3.78 ERA. In discussing the upcoming series and his former team, 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."
The Yankees' Perspective
On the other side of the diamond, the Yankees are seeking revenge after their sweep at Citi Field. With a record of 58-40, they are just one game shy of the AL East lead and hold the fourth-best record in baseball. The Yankees are not just a regular contender this season; they are the highest-scoring team in baseball, averaging 4.98 runs per game as they entered the second half of the season.
A big part of the Yankees' offense has been driven by Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, who have been on fire since June 22nd, posting a combined .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs. However, the rest of the Yankees lineup has struggled, hitting just .214/.283/.354 with 16 home runs in the 19 games since June 22nd.
Injury Updates and Implications
The Yankees have had to cope with the absence of Giancarlo Stanton, who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury on June 22nd. Before his injury, Stanton was a force at the plate, belting 18 home runs and boasting a .795 OPS. Recently, there’s been positive news as Stanton has resumed full agility drills, hinting at a possible return soon, which could add a significant boost to the Yankees' lineup.
With both teams keenly aware of the stakes, this Subway Series installment holds substantial implications. The games are brimming with playoff ramifications, making every pitch, swing, and run intensely critical. As Luis Severino aptly put it, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
The rivalry between these storied franchises, characterized by its intensity and drama, is set to provide fans with unforgettable moments as both the Mets and the Yankees battle not just for city bragging rights but for crucial positions in the postseason race.
Next week's games in the Bronx promise to be nothing short of spectacular, with both teams leaving it all on the field in their quest for October glory. As New York's baseball fans know all too well, when the Mets and Yankees collide, it's more than just a game—it's a collision of legacies, ambitions, and dreams.