The intensity of the baseball season will reach a fever pitch next week as the New York Mets and New York Yankees face off in the final series of the 2024 Subway Series in the Bronx. This climactic showdown follows the Mets' resounding two-game sweep of the Yankees at Citi Field last month. Now, the Bronx Bombers aim to return the favor on their home turf.
Postseason Aspirations
Both teams are in a heated battle to keep their postseason dreams alive. The Mets have been enjoying a stellar run since June 1, boasting an impressive 25-13 record. Their overall tally stands at 49-46, positioning them in the third National League wild-card spot. The Yankees, on the other hand, have had a generally strong season with a 58-40 record, sitting just one game shy of the AL East lead and holding the fourth-best record in all of baseball.
Mound Showdown
The Mets have announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will be their starting pitchers for the two Subway Series games. Notably absent from the mound will be former Yankee Luis Severino, who parted ways with the Yankees during the recent offseason. Severino, who has thrown 109 2/3 innings with a 3.78 ERA this season, will not have the opportunity to face his ex-teammates this time around. 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."
Severino also expressed optimism about future encounters with the Yankees, adding, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
Offensive Struggles and Recovery
The Yankees' lineup has been a mixed bag since June 22. Stars Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been on fire, collectively hitting .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs. However, the rest of the lineup has struggled, managing a .214/.283/.354 line with only 16 home runs across 19 games. This decline can be partially attributed to the absence of Giancarlo Stanton, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury on June 22. Prior to his injury, Stanton had belted 18 home runs with a .795 OPS and has resumed full agility drills recently, a sign of potential reinforcement for the Yankees' offense.
Despite their recent slumps, the Yankees remain the highest-scoring team in baseball, averaging 4.98 runs per game as they enter the second half of the season.
Significance beyond Bragging Rights
This year's Subway Series installment holds significant implications for both teams. The games might carry substantial playoff ramifications, setting the stage for high drama and intense competition. As the Mets and Yankees vie for vital victories, fans can expect a series brimming with excitement, tension, and season-defining moments.
The Bronx will be the battleground where postseason hopes hang in the balance. Fans of both franchises, as well as baseball enthusiasts nationwide, will be fixated on this pivotal clash, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in a storied rivalry.