Yankees' Anthony Volpe and Mets' Francisco Lindor during a regular season game.
Photo Credit: New York Post
Twenty-four years after the 2000 World Series between the New York Yankees and New York Mets, both teams are just four games away from a potential rematch in the World Series.
The Yankees are often considered America’s team across all sports due to their history of winning championships, representing the MLB brand, and boasting some of baseball’s greatest players in their iconic pinstripe jerseys. When people think of baseball, the Yankees are the team that often comes to mind.
The Mets are the team of miracles and magic, especially highlighted by their championship wins in 1969 and 1986. Baseball fans often root for the Mets because of their dislike for the Yankees.
In the winter of 2023, Mets owner Steve Cohen announced the team’s commitment to aggressive spending in the 2025 and 2026 free agency, following a disappointing 2023 season. The Mets finished the season with a 75-87 record and missed the playoffs despite having a $365 million payroll. During that season, they traded high-salaried players Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.
The Mets started the 2024 season with five straight game losses and a 9-19 record in May. However, they turned things around in June and maintained the momentum through July, August, and September. Adding to the excitement, the Mets’ mascots Mr. and Mrs. Met welcomed a new family member named Grimace, whom fans believe brought good fortune and saved the season.
On the last day of the MLB season, the Mets clinched a postseason spot. Their playoff run began in the Wild Card series against the Milwaukee Brewers. They won the series 2-1 thanks to a three-run homer by first baseman Pete Alonso. They advanced to the NLCS to face the Philadelphia Phillies, defeating them in four games. Now they await the winner between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres.
The Yankees are aiming to return to the World Series for the first time since 2009. After missing the playoffs in 2023 for the first time since 2016, with an 82-80 record, they responded to the demands for change. The organization traded for outfielder Juan Soto and brought in the right pieces to strengthen the team.
From March to June, the Yankees were the best team in baseball, but they hit a rough patch in July with an 11-13 record. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman made a trade with the Miami Marlins to require infielder and outfielder Jazz Chisolm Jr. This trade energized the team from August through September, leading them to clinch the American League East and secure the best record in the division for the first time since 2012.
After the Mets-Phillies game on Wednesday night, ABC 7 Eyewitness News interviewed Mets fans about the victory. Fans were excited and went so far as to declare that the team was destined to win the postseason including the World Series. Many expressed their desire for the Mets to face the Yankees in the World Series for a rematch of the 2000 Subway Series, highlighting the Mets’ regular season sweep of the Yankees in four games.
If a Subway Series in the World Series happens this October, it will captivate New York City for a week and draw millions of viewers, breaking all-time television ratings. It will be the battle for bragging rights, determining which team reigns in New York City.
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