This year’s exciting MLB Rivalry Weekend clash has come to an end. The Houston Astros faced the Texas Rangers, the Chicago White Sox took on the Chicago Cubs and the Yankees battled the Mets. Historically, the Yankees lead the Mets 86–68 in head-to-head matchups. Last year’s Subway Series ended in a surprise sweep, as the up-and-coming Mets—fighting for a wild card spot—won all four games. But this year, the tide turned: the Yankees took two out of three  games.

Much of the buzz this year centered around superstar Juan Soto, who made headlines by signing a massive $750 million contract to leave the Yankees for their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets. Many Yankees fans felt betrayed after this move. 

“I don’t even want to talk about it,” senior Christopher Munge said. “The Yankees are the Yankees, you don’t leave them for the Mets—no matter the money.”

Soto was an all-star for the Yankees as well as finished third in MVP voting. He was a big part of the Yankees playoff run. This past Subway Series, Soto managed to upset fans on both sides of New York. At Yankee Stadium, fans in right field turned their backs on him, and the entire stadium echoed with boos. Soto’s return to the Bronx was forgettable—he went just 1-for-10 with 3 strikeouts during the series. Even Mets fans have begun to boo him at the plate, frustrated by his poor performance and apparent lack of hustle.

“Juan Soto is really starting to show a lack of enthusiasm throughout this series and I believe he’s one of the main reasons the Mets lost,” 8th grader Darren Cho said. “Juan Soto has already made comments affecting the clubhouse earlier this season. I just hope—and believe—he’ll live up to that extension.”

The Yankees’ success wasn’t fueled by their powerful offense, but by stellar pitching. In all three games, their pitchers held the Mets to three runs or fewer.

“They never needed Soto. Judge is the best player I’ve ever seen step onto a baseball field. All the Yankees need is for him to keep playing this well,” senior Andrew Notine said.

The final game of the series was tied in the eighth inning, but the Yankees broke it open with six unanswered runs. Aaron Judge was relatively quiet throughout the series, but it was Cody Bellinger—who replaced Juan Soto in the outfield—who delivered the decisive blow, a grand slam that sealed the series win for the Yankees.

“I really think the Yankees can go all the way this year. I would love to see a subway series in the world series though,” English teacher Mrs. Rabinowitz said.