Both the New York Mets and the New York Yankees had high hopes going into the 2023 MLB season. During the off-season, the Yankees resigned star outfielder and 2022 AL MVP Aaron Judge to a nine year,  $360,000,000 contract, while also signing two time MLB all star Carlos Rodón to a 6 year, $132,000,000 contract. The Mets off season moves included signing Japanese born pitcher Kodai Senga, three time Cy young award winner Justin Verlander, and José Quintana to multi year deals. The Mets also resigned fan favorite players Brandon Nimmo and Edwin Díaz.

Trouble for the Mets started during the 2023 World Baseball Classic when their all star closer, Edwin Díaz tore his patellar tendon while celebrating Team Puerto Rico’s win against the Dominican Republic. Díaz’s injury would lead to him being out for the entirety of the 2023 season, and would lead to the Mets losing one of their most valuable players. Issues also showed up early for the Yankees when their latest offseason edition, Carlos Rodón, was diagnosed with chronic back issues. He has not played a single game in pinstripes yet, and according to manager Aaron Boone, there is no timetable for Rodón’s return.

The Yankees have lacked pitching depth, and struggled with injury for the first month of 2023 season. Center fielder Harrison Bader missed the first month of the season. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, third baseman Josh Donaldson, and infielder Oswald Peraza are all currently on the the injured list. Key starting and closing pitchers such as Jonathan Loáisiga, Frankie Montas, Tommy Kahnle, Lou Trivino, and Scott Effross are also on the injured list. With many of the Yankees key players out due to injury, it has been hard for the team to win games. Currently, they are 32-23, and 3rd in the AL East.

The Mets have also had their fair share of injuries with pitchers José Quintana, Edwin Díaz, and Stephen Ridings being placed on the 60 day injured list. Throughout the start of the 2023 season, the Mets have relied on calling up young talent from the minor leagues to help win games. Rookies such as Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos have been contributing to the Mets. The Mets are currently 27-27 and 3rd in their division.

Both teams appear to be having down years to start the season. In 2022, the Yankees were first place, and won the AL East. They eventually got swept by the Houston Astros in the ALCS. The Mets and the Atlanta Braves were tied to end the 2022 season. The Mets were world series hopefuls who eventually lost to the San Diego Padres in the wild card round of the playoffs.

Although we are only one month into the season, the question remains, will the Yankees or the Mets win the 2023 world series. In a 162 game season, anything is possible, and New York sports fans are rooting for their desired teams to win a championship. There is still so much baseball left to play and only time will tell if the Yankees or Mets will be crowned 2023 champions.