After the Luis Severino controversy, things are heating up between the Mets and New York Yankees. Severino, who played for the Yankees for nine years, parted ways with the team this past offseason. In 2023, he signed a $13 million deal with the New York Mets. Now, in 2024, the Mets and Yankees are set to play the Subway Series starting Tuesday. While fans from both sides eagerly anticipate the matches, another story is unfolding between the two clubs.

Despite leaving the Yankees, Severino has been in contact with several Yankees players. Although he hasn’t managed to sustain strong friendships, some players have taken jabs at him. For the second time, Severino will not pitch against his former team on Sunday. Previously, when he wasn’t in the lineup against the Yankees, his former teammates mocked him. Unable to tolerate the taunts, Luis Severino eventually fired back at his ex-Bronx adversaries.

New York Mets Luis Severino blasts on the ex-Yankees teammates

It all started when the Bombers targeted Severino for being afraid to face the Yankees hitters. On the other hand, launching a counterattack, Luis said, “I’m not afraid of those guys. ‘Right now, you only have two good hitters; It’s always a friendly competition.” Severino’s comments were most likely towards the double engine of the Yankees, Soto and Judge. In Friday’s game against the Bay Rays, despite winning 6-1, most of the Yankees’ offense power came from Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Also, the Yankees have struggled to stay consistent on the mound without them. With no Soto and Judge in the lineup, none of the players in the Yankees have above .250 batting average. 

While Luis Severino targeted the Yankees, manager Aaron Boone shared his thoughts in response. Replying to Severino’s comments, Boone said, “We’ll see where the dust settles when we’re all said and done. Add it all up, and we’ve taken our lumps at times, but I think we’re at the top of the league, probably in runs scored. I saw the way [Severino] said it, Hopefully, we can answer him.” Indeed, over the past few weeks, the Yankees have looked sluggish. Whether it was a series loss against the Red Sox or Bay Rays, they are still trying to get back to their winning ways.

On the contrary, the Yankees have amassed a staggering 494 runs in the 2024 season, leading the league in total runs scored. Moreover, they hold the second position in the American League East with a winning percentage of .596 and an impressive 59-40 record. However, despite the team striving to regain form, the Bronx is seeking more consistency in their batting order.

A look at Aaron Boone’s New York Yankees offensive struggles

Since the All-Star break, Aaron Boone has not altered the lineup. Ben Rice, the leadoff hitter, remains ahead of Soto and Judge. Despite a mistake against the Baltimore Orioles, Alex Verdugo stayed in the cleanup spot. In today’s game against the Bay Rays, the Yankees won, but Verdugo went hitless.

Looking at the Yankees lineup, the Bronx doesn’t have many options, especially when facing right-handed pitchers. Rice is at the top, followed by Verdugo in the fourth and Austin Wells. Since June, the Yankees have lost 18 out of their 26 games, primarily due to the hitting lineup’s inability to generate runs. With the MLB trade deadline approaching on July 30, general manager Brian Cashman might look for possible buys.

Furthermore, returning from an injury, LeMahieu played against the Bay Rays on Friday. However, his performance was lackluster, as he went 0-for-4, drawing boos from Yankees fans. Unsurprisingly, he entered Friday’s game with a slugging percentage (SLG) of .214, the worst for any player with 130 plate appearances.

Altogether, Luis Severino might have given the Yankees a reality check. Undoubtedly, their offense depends heavily on Soto and Judge, who have hit 57 homers in the 2024 MLB season. With outfielders like Alex Verdugo and Anthony Volpe struggling, it’s no wonder the Yankees are facing challenges. As the World Series approaches, the Yanks will need to bring their ‘A’ game to secure a playoff spot.

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