The 2024 Subway Series, one of the most anticipated matchups in baseball, is set to reach its dramatic conclusion next week in the Bronx. As the New York Mets and New York Yankees gear up for another showdown, both teams are fighting tooth and nail for their postseason dreams.
The Mets, who delivered a stunning two-game sweep at Citi Field last month, will be looking to solidify their recent success. Meanwhile, the Yankees are plotting their revenge on home turf, aiming to balance the scales in front of their passionate fans.
Mets' Momentum Since June
Since June 1, the Mets have been on an impressive run, boasting a 25-13 record. This surge has propelled them into the third National League wild-card spot with an overall record of 49-46. It’s a testament to their resilience and determination, as they strive to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The Mets' management has already lined up their starting pitchers for the crucial Subway Series games. Jose Quintana and Sean Manaea will take the mound in an effort to repeat the success they found in the previous series.
One notable absence in this series is pitcher Luis Severino, who after parting ways with the Yankees during the recent offseason, will not face his former teammates. Severino has had a respectable season, accumulating 109 2/3 innings with a 3.78 ERA. Reflecting on the playful banter with his former team, Severino remarked, "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." He added with a hint of anticipation, "It's going to be fun, and hopefully in the future I can face them."
Yankees in Contention
The Yankees, with a current record of 58-40, are just one game shy of the AL East lead and hold the fourth-best record in baseball. This Subway Series holds significant weight for the Yankees, who are counted among the highest-scoring teams, averaging 4.98 runs per game as they head into the second half of the season.
Key to their offensive powerhouse has been the dynamic duo of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Since June 22, they have combined for a potent .291/.431/.575 slash line with 11 home runs. In stark contrast, the remainder of the Yankees lineup has collectively managed a .214/.283/.354 line with 16 home runs over 19 games in the same period.
Giancarlo Stanton, another critical piece of the Yankees offense, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since June 22. Before his injury, Stanton had hammered 18 home runs alongside an OPS of .795. Yet, hope flickers as Stanton has recently resumed full agility drills, indicating a potential return to form in the near future.
Playoff Ramifications
The stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams are embroiled in their respective postseason chases. With palpable tension and excitement in the air, the final games of this Subway Series promise to deliver thrilling baseball. The playoff ramifications are immense, as the outcomes of these contests will invariably impact the trajectory of both the Mets' and Yankees' seasons.
As New York baseball fans eagerly await, the upcoming battle in the Bronx is set to be more than just a crosstown rivalry. It’s a critical juncture for both teams, where aspirations of postseason glory hang in the balance. Will the Mets continue their upward trajectory, or will the Yankees assert their dominance at home? The answers will soon unfold under the lights of Yankee Stadium, marking another chapter in the storied history of the Subway Series.