For the primary 4 months of the season, the Yankees and Mets have been two of the most effective groups in baseball — the Yanks nonetheless holding that title with their 66-31 report.
On Tuesday comes the primary collision course, and maybe a preview of what could be potential in October if each groups handle enterprise of their respective leagues. It’s only a two-game set at Citi Area earlier than they get collectively at Yankee Stadium for 2 extra in August, however it will likely be a extremely anticipated showdown nonetheless.
The Mets gained the season sequence final yr, taking two of three in The Bronx on July 4 weekend earlier than doing the identical in Queens on the weekend of Sept. 11. The sequence finale at Citi Area included some fireworks, stemming from the Mets believing that the Yankees could have been whistling from their dugout to tip pitches. The benches ultimately cleared, however solely phrases have been exchanged.
Right here’s a take a look at how the groups match up this week:
On the plate
Getting on base
Whereas the Mets’ offense has been in a funk of late, highlighting certainly one of their areas of want earlier than the commerce deadline, each groups are amongst MLB’s higher golf equipment by way of getting on base. The Yankees are second in on-base share at .332 whereas the Mets are sixth at .324 — although they get to these numbers in numerous methods. The Yankees complement their big-time energy by main the lead in walks, whereas the Mets lean on their contact-oriented offensive method, placing out much less however with much less onerous contact.
Edge: Even
Energy
This class isn’t a lot of a contest because the Yankees are blowing most groups within the league out of the water with their energy. Behind Aaron Decide’s chase for 60 house runs (he’s at present at 37), fellow thumpers Giancarlo Stanton (24) and Anthony Rizzo (22), a resurgent Gleyber Torres (15) and a stunning Matt Carpenter (14), the Yankees lead MLB with 165 homers. Pete Alonso (25) has packed loads of punch on his personal, however moreover Francisco Lindor (16) and the occasional sizzling streak from Eduardo Escobar (11), the Mets haven’t gotten a lot energy from the remainder of their lineup.
Edge: Yankees
On the basepaths
The Yankees are a lot improved on this space from final yr, working into fewer outs on the bases and likewise changing into a gradual risk to steal bases even with out a licensed velocity risk. Their 65 swipes have been tied for third in MLB getting into Monday, with Isiah Kiner-Falefa (14) main the way in which. Starling Marte (12) and Lindor (10) have accounted for the majority of the Mets’ steals, with the remainder of the crew solely accountable for 11. The Yankees (-2.6) and Mets (-2.9) grade equally on FanGraphs’ baserunning metric (BsR).
Edge: Yankees
Within the area
Infield: One other side wherein the Yankees have made main enhancements this season. Amongst their infield unit, they've one participant within the top-six for Defensive Runs Saved (per Fielding Bible) at every place — led by third baseman Josh Donaldson (10 DRS) — plus Jose Trevino main all catchers with 15 DRS. General, their infield has piled up 27 DRS, which trails solely the Cardinals (42). The versatile Luis Guillorme is the Mets’ greatest defender, although Statcast’s Outs Above Common additionally ranks Lindor as one of many recreation’s prime shortstops.
Edge: Yankees
Outfield
Brandon Nimmo has turned himself into one of many higher middle fielders within the recreation to anchor the Mets’ outfield. Jeff McNeil has additionally been above-average in left area, sharing it with Mark Canha, and Marte has been sturdy in proper area. Decide’s transfer to middle area has labored nicely for the Yankees, each in upgrading their protection and permitting them extra lineup flexibility.
Edge: Mets
Bench
Carpenter is popping from a bench piece into extra of an on a regular basis participant, however both means he has offered the Yankees with higher depth since signing in Might. Additionally, with their lineup staying largely wholesome, they often have one common on the bench every night time to present them one other weapon late in video games. Guillorme has been invaluable — and, like Carpenter, has taken on an excellent greater function — however the Mets’ bench isn’t as potent, although the latest addition of Daniel Vogelbach ought to assist in opposition to righties.
Edge: Yankees
On the mound
Rotation
The Mets are lined up nicely for this sequence, set to roll out their greatest two (wholesome) starters in Taijuan Walker on Tuesday and Max Scherzer on Wednesday. Walker has been a constant pressure atop the rotation, particularly with accidents to Scherzer and Jacob deGrom, and Scherzer has gotten proper again to enterprise since coming off the IL. Jordan Montgomery, within the midst of one other strong season, will begin Tuesday with Domingo German, who received roughed up in his return from the IL on Thursday, in play for Wednesday if he will get one other begin.
Edge: Mets
Bullpen
Each groups will possible be out there so as to add at the very least one reliever earlier than the commerce deadline, however the want is extra urgent for the Mets despite the fact that the Yankees simply took an enormous hit with the lack of Michael King (elbow fracture). Edwin Diaz and Clay Holmes have each been dominant closers — Diaz has struck out 77 of the 151 batters he’s confronted — however the Yankees have some extra depth past Holmes in Wandy Peralta, Lucas Luetge, Albert Abreu and Ron Marinaccio. Adam Ottavino has been a powerful setup man for Diaz, however inconsistency from Seth Lugo and Drew Smith has harm the Mets.
Edge: Yankees
Supervisor
Aaron Boone is again for his fifth yr of the Subway Sequence whereas Buck Showalter can be experiencing it for the primary time — interleague play wasn’t a factor but when he had Boone’s job. Each males are identified for his or her even-keel temperaments, with Showalter additionally displaying his inside-out data of the rulebook in his first yr in Queens.
Edge: Even
Intangibles
The Yankees haven’t finished a lot shedding this yr however enter the sequence having dropped eight of their final 13 video games. The Mets have additionally misplaced three of their final 4 and have the Braves respiration down their neck atop the NL East. Each groups can be on the lookout for a shot within the arm to get again on monitor.
Edge: Even
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