As the 2024 Subway Series reaches its climax next week in the Bronx, both the New York Mets and the New York Yankees are locked in a fierce battle for postseason glory. The anticipation is palpable as the Mets, riding high from their emphatic two-game sweep at Citi Field last month, aim to continue their momentum. Meanwhile, the Yankees are eager to exact revenge on their home turf.
A Tale of Two Teams: Postseason Aspirations
Both teams are fighting tooth and nail for their playoff dreams. The Mets have been on a remarkable run since June 1, boasting a 25-13 record to bring their season tally to 49-46. Currently, they occupy the third National League wild-card spot, a precarious position they are desperate to maintain.
The Yankees, on the other hand, have demonstrated consistent excellence throughout the season. With a 58-40 record, they are just one game shy of the AL East lead and hold the fourth-best record in baseball. Their offensive prowess is evident, as they continue to be the highest-scoring team in the league, averaging 4.98 runs per game entering the second half of the season.
Pitching Matchups and Key Players
The Mets have announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will take the mound for the two crucial Subway Series games. Notably absent from this reunion is Mets pitcher Luis Severino, who will not face his former team. Severino, a familiar face to Yankees fans, parted ways with the team during the offseason. This season, he's thrown 109 2/3 innings with a commendable 3.78 ERA.
Severino's absence has not gone unnoticed in the Yankees clubhouse. "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,'" Severino shared. "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 the banter, Severino remains optimistic, adding, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
Offensive Highlights: Judge, Soto, and the Yankees Lineup
Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been the standout performers for the Yankees, hitting .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs since June 22. However, the rest of the lineup has struggled, recording a .214/.283/.354 slash line with 16 home runs across 19 games since that date. The absence of Giancarlo Stanton has undoubtedly played a role in these struggles. Stanton, who was sidelined with a hamstring injury on June 22, had been a force to reckon with, belting 18 home runs with a .795 OPS prior to his injury. Fortunately for the Yankees, Stanton has recently resumed full agility drills, signaling a potential return to action.
High Stakes and Big Implications
This latest installment of the Subway Series carries significant implications for both teams. Beyond city bragging rights, the games will have substantial playoff ramifications. The Mets are fighting to hold onto their wild-card spot, while the Yankees aim to overtake their divisional rivals and solidify their standing as one of the top teams in baseball.
As the series unfolds, fans on both sides of New York will be watching closely, cheering for their teams with hopes of postseason glory. The stage is set for an electrifying showdown, as the Mets and Yankees vie not just for victory, but for their playoff lives.