The 2025 Subway Series between the New York Yankees and New York Mets begins Friday afternoon at Citi Field, with the Yankees favored to take the series. Despite recent struggles from both teams, the Yankees are considered better positioned to win due to advantageous pitching matchups and strong recent offensive output, particularly by Aaron Judge and his teammates.

Recent Performances Set Stage for Series

In the last week, neither team has performed well overall. The Yankees were swept in a four-game, high-scoring series against the Toronto Blue Jays, while the Mets have gone 2-4 in their last six outings. However, the Yankees have managed to score 23 runs across those four games, showing offensive resilience. Players like Cody Bellinger, Jasson Dominguez, and Aaron Judge have each collected eight or more hits recently, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. has added three home runs during that stretch.

Friday’s Matchup: Yankees Face Mets’ Backup Starter

Friday’s contest features an unexpected pitching change for the Mets, who placed their anticipated starter Paul Blackburn on the injured list, opting instead for Justin Hagenman to face New York’s lineup. At 28 years old, Hagenman faces a Yankees batting order that remains potent despite recent losses. The Mets may find it difficult to contain the Yankees’ offense, which has stayed productive against strong opponents.

With Hagenman’s relative inexperience at the major league level, the prediction leans toward the Yankees scoring heavily early in the series.

Saturday’s Game Highlights Pitching Duel

The Saturday game provides the Mets their best chance on paper, with Frankie Montas squared off against Carlos Rodón for the Yankees. Montas impressed during his first start of the season at home against Atlanta, and the Mets will need that performance to continue in order to challenge the Yankees’ pitcher. Rodón’s recent form shows some inconsistency: he has recorded six or more strikeouts in just two of his last six starts and allowed 14 earned runs in 34 innings during June.

The Mets have struggled with strikeouts against left-handed pitchers, ranking fifth-lowest in the majors, which could help their batters generate contact against Rodón. Francisco Lindor is expected to be a key offensive player in this matchup, holding a .263 batting average and two home runs in 38 at-bats against Rodón.

Sunday’s Game Likely to Favor the Yankees

Sunday’s contest is expected to heavily favor the Yankees as Max Fried takes the mound. Fried has already contributed to an 8-2 victory over the Mets this season, striking out eight and limiting the Mets to three earned runs. The Mets currently do not have an official starter listed for the game, which suggests the likelihood of a bullpen game or a call-up from Triple-A.

Fried’s experience and command provide the Yankees an edge over any less-experienced Mets pitcher, especially when combined with New York’s recent offensive momentum. This matchup further strengthens the Yankees’ chances to clinch the Subway Series.

Overall Series Outlook and Betting Considerations

Given the pitching matchups and the Yankees’ recent offensive showing, they are favored to take the series money line. Friday’s and Sunday’s pitching advantages, combined with the presence of Aaron Judge and strong contributors like Bellinger and Dominguez, make a Yankees victory the likely outcome. Fans and bettors alike may want to consider wagers favoring the Yankees in this three-game showdown.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?

A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting home runs. He has three seasons with over 50 homers, joining only four other players in history to achieve this milestone.

Q. Does Aaron Judge know his biological parents?

A. He shared with The Post, “It feels like they chose me, and that it was God who brought us together.” Aaron Judge’s adoption was closed, meaning he hasn’t met his birth parents and doesn’t have contact with them. He says he has never felt a desire to meet them.

Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?

A. He is one of only 20 players in his team’s first 28 games to get on base 63 times and bring in 27 runs. In the last 23 years, only one other player, Bryce Harper in 2017, has matched this. Judge is famous for holding the American League record for most home runs in a single season and for reaching 300 home runs faster than anyone else.

Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?

A. Aaron Judge has stated he will not grow a beard, even though the Yankees now allow facial hair.