Mets hoping Subway Series provides October-like test against Yankees

The closest they will get to October baseball is scheduled over the next three days in The Bronx, and the timing probably couldn’t be better for the Mets. 

Just like for a playoff series, the Mets have their rotation aligned with their top guns set to face the Yankees. They also have collective confidence after winning three straight series (including a sweep in Miami this week) to escape the National League East basement, a domain they had owned for most of the season. 

That the Yankees are playing for something — with the American League East title still a possibility — adds to a weekend that will begin with the raw emotion of commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 

“The energy, the vibes, how loud it should be, it should feel somewhat like October,” Francisco Lindor said. “It probably will get a little cooler too, which usually when it gets a little cooler, you kind of feel like you’re in October.” 

Aaron Judge on the field before the Yankees’ win over the Rockies on Sept. 9, 2026 at the Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Mets won two of three games against the Yankees at Citi Field in May, but plenty has changed since then. Manager Carlos Mendoza was fired June 23 — Andy Green replaced him on an interim basis — and the Mets went into full sell mode at the trade deadline, retooling their farm system at the expense of veteran pitching. Yet, the Mets are 21-12 since the trade deadline. 

Their highest upside starter remains in the fold. Nolan McLean will lead the trio of young starters (Zac Thornton and Christian Scott also are scheduled to pitch this weekend) into Yankee Stadium. 

They will face a lineup that again includes Aaron Judge following his return from the injured list this week. 

“He’s super dynamic, a great player,” McLean said. “It will be a fun test for me, seeing how my stuff stacks up against one of the best hitters in the world.” 

Juan Soto, who was targeted by fans in his return to the Stadium last season after a one-year hitch with the club, was asked by The Post if he expects it will be different for him this time. 

“I don’t think so,” he said. “I think it’s going to be the same. I am not expecting less than that from Yankees fans. They are really passionate.” 

Francisco Lindor runs the bases after hitting a home run during the first inning of the Mets’ win over the Marlins on Sept. 8, 2026 in Miami. AP Photo/Marta Lavandier

Does Soto, who left the Yankees for a record $765 million contract with the Mets, feel as if he’s hated in The Bronx? 

“Who knows?” Soto said. “But they know I gave my best to them. Some of them appreciate it, some of them don’t. You can’t control that.” 

Lindor, who has played previously on 9/11 in a Subway Series, understands the emotion of the day. 

“The vibes, it’s almost like everybody comes together before the game, it doesn’t matter whether it’s Yankees or Mets, and it feels really good,” Lindor said. “And then once the game starts, it becomes Yankees vs. Mets, which is really cool. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a special day for a lot of people, and hopefully we can put a smile on people’s faces with a great showing and remember the ones that fought for everybody. They are the ones that lost their lives that day. It’s a truly special day.” 

McLean grew up watching Subway Series games but said he hasn’t given much thought to the environment he will be entering Friday. 

“I try not to look too much at that stuff because when you get out there, it really doesn’t matter that much,” McLean said. “It’s just you and the batter you are facing every time, so I am not too worried about it. I am sure it will be a fun [event] to be a part of, especially on the day that it is happening — not just like a Yankees-Mets thing, but a city thing as well.”