Subway Series Returns: Mets Challenge Surging Yankees With a Playoff Berth in the Balance

Background

On Friday, September 11, the New York Mets and New York Yankees opened the second and final "Subway Series" round of the 2026 season at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. The first round took place in May at the Mets' Citi Field, where New York's National League club won two of three games, including a dramatic Sunday win decided by Tyrone Taylor's three-run, two-out homer in the ninth inning. According to Yahoo Sports, this series could give the Yankees a chance to clinch a playoff spot.

The Mets (68-78) will almost certainly finish the season below .500, but they have played much better than their record suggests lately — going 18-12 over their last 30 games (Sports Illustrated). The team recently swept the Marlins in three games, scoring 31 runs on 39 hits, climbing out of last place in the NL East. Since September 2, the Mets lead all of MLB with 60 runs scored, and their 133 wRC+ this month is the best mark in the majors (Amazin' Avenue).

The Yankees (84-62) are fighting for first place in the AL East, sitting three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays, while holding a comfortable 10.5-game lead in the Wild Card race. They enter the series having swept the Colorado Rockies in three games. A major boost has been the return of star Aaron Judge from injury, though his lengthy absence will keep him from a third straight AL MVP award. Sources differ slightly on how many games Judge has played since returning — Fox News cites two, while Amazin' Avenue cites three.

Friday's Opener and the Starters

In the series opener, Mets rising starter Nolan McLean (11-8, 3.06 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 179 strikeouts — 14th-most in MLB) faced Yankees veteran Carlos Rodón (5-3, 3.09 ERA, 1.17 WHIP). Sources disagree on McLean's history against the Yankees: Fox News says he has faced only two Yankees hitters in his career (0-for-6), while Sports Illustrated states McLean has no experience against them at all. Accounts of Rodón's history against the Mets also differ — Sports Illustrated notes he has faced the Mets in five games since 2022 (3.70 ERA, 27 strikeouts in 24.1 innings), while Fox News reports Rodón has faced the Mets only once, allowing two earned runs in 3.2 innings in a game the Yankees lost.

Weekend Schedule and Odds

On Saturday, September 12, Zac Thornton starts for the Mets against Gerrit Cole, who carries a 6.99 ERA against the Mets over nine career appearances. On Sunday, September 13, Christian Scott faces Cam Schlittler. Ahead of Friday's game, according to Covers.com, the Yankees were favored (roughly 55–56% win probability), with the Mets as underdogs at around 45–46%.