Yankees Take Subway Series But Cole's Home Run Woes Persist
The Yankees won two of three against the Mets but still trail Tampa Bay by four games in the AL East. Gerrit Cole lasted just 4 1/3 innings on Saturday and has allowed seven home runs over his last 11 1/3 innings, raising concerns about his effectiveness. Meanwhile, the Mets showed promise despite a lost season, with several young players performing well.
The Subway Series weekend carried extra weight as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, with an emotional pregame ceremony preceding Friday's opener. Yankees fans loudly booed Juan Soto, now with the Mets, during introductions, setting a charged tone for the three-game set. New York's rotation depth has become a talking point, as Cam Schlittler, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodon have all pitched well recently, contrasting sharply with Cole's struggles. The Yankees front office notably added no pitching at the trade deadline, relying instead on veteran arms to carry them through October.
Cole's underlying numbers reveal a broader trend beyond recent home run issues. His 24.6% strikeout rate represents his lowest mark since 2017, and his 4.2% home run rate ties a career worst for a full season. Despite his 3.67 ERA overall, the 36-year-old has thrown his most innings since 2023 in his return from Tommy John surgery, raising questions about late-season fatigue even as he insists he feels healthy.
This story could influence how fans and analysts evaluate the Yankees' postseason viability, particularly regarding starting pitching depth. Cole's struggles may shape public perception of the team's championship chances and could affect ticket sales, viewership, and betting markets as October approaches. For Mets fans, the young players' strong performances may offer hope and renewed engagement despite a losing season, potentially boosting attendance and local interest in the franchise's future direction.