This weekend, the New York Yankees and New York Mets will resume the No. 1 rivalry in the history of interleague sports, the Subway Series.
The 2026 edition features a pair of teams in very different positions. The team from the Bronx has one of the better records in baseball and is an elite team in the American League, while the club from Queens has been one of the biggest disappointments in MLB this year. Still, the Yanks have lost six of their last eight, and the Mets are feeling pretty good after three straight wins.
The pairing of New York teams is sure to deliver an exciting new installment in the series that began in 1997. Since its inception, many elite players have taken part in the rivalry, while unexpected ones have excelled. The stars of the Subway Series could create an amazing New York baseball dream time. This idea presents a fun idea.
In a time of so much tribalism, what if we created the ultimate team of Subway Series contestants? Scroll down and take a look at our Yankees-Mets Subway Series super team.
Catcher: Mike Piazza, Mets
It was an easy choice. Mike Piazza is the greatest hit catcher of all time and has had some big moments in the Subway Series. The 10-time All-Star and Hall of Famer was also a rock-solid defensive catcher. Sure, he didn't have a strong arm, but he played well and was always durable. There is no better option than playing catcher for the New York Subway Series team.
First base: Mark Teixeira, Yankees
Three-time All-Star Mark Teixeira played most of his MLB career in pinstripes and made a notable impact during his eight years in the Bronx. He was a threat down the order because of the big power bat he brought to the plate. But what made Teixeira a star throughout his career was his defensive play, which earned him five Gold Gloves. He also hit 11 homers in his Subway Series games.
Teixeira is one of the best players of our super team.
Second base: Jeff McNeil, Mets
Our super team had plenty of options at second base, including Alfonso Soriano and Robinson Cano. But every team needs some patience and versatility. That's why two-time All-Star Jeff McNeil gets the 2B spot on our Yankees-Mets super team.
He can play multiple positions, brings a little insanity, and, other than Derek Jeter, is one of the greatest performers in Subway Series history. Posting a .336 average and 20 RBI in 34 games.
Shortstop: Derek Jeter, Yankees
Like the piazza, this was a very easy choice. Jeter is an icon of New York sports, having won five World Series titles during his 20 seasons in the Bronx. Still, what makes the 14-time All-Star an absolute must-have for our team is his ability to achieve great success. Furthermore, to the displeasure of Mets fans, the Yankees legend was a Subway Series beast, posting a .364/.419/.536 slash line in 87 games.
Third base: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
Mets legend David Wright certainly received plenty of consideration for the spot, but three-time MVP Alex Rodriguez ultimately got the nod. Hate him or love him, Rodriguez was one of the greatest players of his era, playing strong defense at shortstop and the hot corner and being one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. A-Rod was too good not to be included in our super team.
Outfield: Juan Soto, Mets and Aaron Judge, Yankees and Bernie Williams, Yankees
When it comes to the outfield, Aaron Judge was a no-brainer for our Subway Series super team. He is the most fearsome hitter in MLB today, and will go down as one of the Yankees' greatest players ever, and one of the few icons the franchise has seen wear pinstripes.
Although he hasn't played very many games in the Subway Series, Mets superstar Juan Soto was also a must-have for our super team. Especially getting him to hit again against Soto. He is a two-time MVP candidate. One of the best hitters on the planet, and most importantly, as Yankees fans look into 2024, he's a big-game player.
For our last outfield spot, we went with four-time Gold Glove center fielder Bernie Williams. He was an excellent fielder at a premium position, but he was also another player who excelled in big games.
Starting pitchers: Jacob deGrom, Mets and CC Sabathia, Yankees
For our Subway Series Super Team, we chose to go with two starting pitchers. Although there have been a number of great weapons coming up in this series, the ones we relied on the most were Jacob deGrom and CC Sabathia.
The pair of New York greats combined for 11 All-Star appearances and three Cy Young Awards. In a big game like the Subway Series, there aren't any other players besides deGrom and Sabathia that you want to give the ball to.
Near: Mariano Rivera, Yankees
Our final position – and another easy option – is to put Sandman, Marino Rivera, closer to our super team. Simply put, there was no better closer in MLB history than the Yankees legend. The 13-time All-Star was a monster in big games. Posted a ridiculous 0.70 ERA in 32 playoff series during his incredible career. When the game was on the line, there was no one better than "Moe".
