The 2024 Subway Series between the New York Mets and New York Yankees is set to reach its thrilling conclusion next week in the Bronx. The Mets delivered a dominant two-game sweep at Citi Field last month, and now the Yankees are eager to return the favor on their home turf.
Mets' Postseason Push
The Mets are embroiled in a fierce battle to keep their postseason hopes alive. They've been on a remarkable run since June 1, posting a 25-13 record to bring their overall tally to 49-46. As it stands, the Mets occupy the third National League wild-card spot, a precarious position they are determined to defend.
In preparation for the showdown, the Mets announced that Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will be the starting pitchers for the two Subway Series games. One notable absence will be former Yankees pitcher Luis Severino, who parted ways with the team during the offseason. Severino has had a strong season, throwing 109 2/3 innings with a 3.78 ERA, but will not be available to face his former squad.
Yankees' Pursuit of Glory
Meanwhile, the Yankees are equally driven, sharing the same postseason aspirations as their city rivals. With a commendable 58-40 record, they sit just one game shy of the AL East lead and hold the fourth-best record in baseball. Their offensive might is underscored by their status as the highest-scoring team, averaging 4.98 runs per game as they head into the second half of the season.
Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have been instrumental since June 22, hitting .291/.431/.575 with 11 home runs. However, the rest of the Yankees lineup has struggled, managing a .214/.283/.354 line with 16 home runs across 19 games. The absence of Giancarlo Stanton, sidelined with a hamstring injury since June 22, has certainly taken its toll. Stanton had belted 18 home runs with a .795 OPS before his injury and has recently resumed full agility drills, signaling a return could be imminent.
Friendly Competition and High Stakes
This Subway Series carries significant implications for both teams, not just in terms of city bragging rights but also for their playoff ambitions. Luis Severino, despite not participating, shared some insights into the camaraderie and competition among his former teammates. "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 revealed. He added with a hopeful tone, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
As both teams gear up for the climactic games in the Bronx, fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere. The Subway Series has always been more than just a series of games—it's a clash of titans, both battling not just for supremacy in New York, but for their playoff dreams. With substantial playoff ramifications on the line, these games are set to offer high drama, thrilling moments, and unforgettable performances.