Title: The Shifting Dynamics of New York Baseball: A 2025 Subway Series Unfolds
By: Jorge Castillo
Published: July 3, 2025, 07:00 AM ET
As the New York Yankees face off against the Mets for yet another Subway Series—this time held in Queens—the rivalry that has long defined the city’s baseball landscape has transformed in unexpected ways. Observers who have tracked these franchises over the years are astonished by the current dynamics.
Buck Showalter, a prominent figure in baseball with years in both organizations, remarked, "The Mets have transitioned from the role of the Yankees’ little sibling to a formidable competitor. They are now standing tall and no longer subordinate. It’s not that the Yankees have regressed; rather, the Mets have surged forward."
So far in the 2025 season, both teams have seen strong beginnings but recently encountered rough patches. Despite their struggles, the ultimate goal remains: securing a World Series title. After an intense three-game series at Yankee Stadium in May, the two clubs hope to regain momentum starting this Friday at Citi Field, an arena where hope has flourished in recent years.
Historically, the Mets have occasionally enjoyed their moments in the sun, such as their legendary 1969 season and a successful stint in the 1980s, interspersed with periods of contention for both teams. However, the current landscape is markedly different. With Steve Cohen’s acquisition of the Mets from the Wilpon family in late 2020, they have emerged as a serious competitor alongside the Yankees.
Reliever Adam Ottavino, who joined the Mets in 2022 after spending time in the Yankees’ setup, noted, "The Mets were once the butt of jokes in baseball. Now, they’re viewed as a top-tier organization."
Under Cohen’s reign, which began in 2021, the Mets have undergone substantial changes in their operations, aiming for sustained success after disappointments in Cohen’s early seasons. The organization’s culture has evolved significantly, marked by improvements across various departments—including analytics and player accommodations. Longtime Met Brandon Nimmo reflected on this shift, saying, "It feels rewarding to witness this transformation."
Across the city, the Yankees have maintained stability under Hal Steinbrenner, who took the reins in 2009. The franchise is celebrated for its consistency, boasting 32 consecutive winning seasons. They are expected to continue this streak while competing for the American League pennant and featuring star player Aaron Judge.
Brian Cashman, the team’s general manager, stressed Steinbrenner’s commitment to ensuring the best for the players, a quality inherited from his father, George. Despite the ongoing evolution of baseball, the Yankees remain a powerhouse but are now in a highly competitive environment, especially with the Mets’ recent rise.
The departure of star player Juan Soto to the Mets—once unthinkable—underscored this shift in power dynamics. David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, emphasized that Soto’s signing reflects the team’s progress and appeal in the league.
The five-year journey of Cohen as owner has seen a complete revamping of the franchise, transitioning from a perceived underperformer to a serious contender. Cohen has actively engaged with players and front office staff, working to improve team morale and organizational functionality.
Yet, despite Cohen’s transformative influence, the Mets have faced their share of internal challenges, including frequent leadership changes and controversies. Though initially met with skepticism, his hands-on approach appears to be yielding results—with cautious optimism among the fanbase.
Meanwhile, Steinbrenner’s era reflects continuity, even as fans express restlessness over the Yankees’ long World Series drought. Changes in the game have influenced Steinbrenner’s leadership style, resulting in a more adaptable approach to player transactions while holding onto longstanding traditions.
As these two historic teams collide yet again, the stakes have never been higher. The dynamics of New York baseball are evolving, demonstrating the potential for aggressive competition within Major League Baseball.
As Buck Showalter concluded, "This shift is nothing short of good news for the sport of baseball."