NEW YORK — Former Yankees ace CC Sabathia has set off alarm bells across the Bronx with a blunt message that’s still echoing among fans.
The six-time All-Star, who helped deliver New York’s 2009 World Series title, believes the crosstown Mets — not the Yankees — are better positioned to win a championship next season.
Sabathia’s comments come at a crucial time for the Yankees, who are still searching for direction after another frustrating finish to a once-promising season. His assessment struck a nerve with a fan base accustomed to hearing optimism, not warnings, from one of their franchise icons.
Yankees legend picks Mets over Bronx Bombers
Appearing on the Boardroom with Rich Kleiman podcast, Sabathia was asked which New York club he thought was built for more success heading into 2026. His answer left little doubt about where he stands.
“The Mets are going to be super motivated next year because they didn’t make the playoffs,” Sabathia said. “It’s going to be tough for the Yankees to get by after what they just went through and even last year, going to the World Series. The deeper you get into the playoffs, the harder it is to reset and get ready for the next year. The Mets still have a lot to prove with a great roster and a lot of talent.”
Hearing that from Sabathia — a pitcher who spent 11 seasons in pinstripes and earned a reputation as one of the most respected clubhouse leaders in Yankees history — stings for fans still waiting for a 28th championship. His words suggest the balance of power in New York baseball may be shifting.
World Series hangover still lingers in Bronx
Sabathia pointed to a long-observed trend in Major League Baseball: teams that make deep postseason runs often struggle the following year. Fatigue, both mental and physical, can derail even the best rosters.
The Yankees reached the 2024 World Series but fell short of their championship goal. Since then, injuries and inconsistency have slowed their effort to regain momentum. Players who push through long playoff runs often enter the next season drained — a reality Sabathia knows well from experience.
Meanwhile, the Mets missed the 2025 postseason entirely. That disappointment could serve as motivation. With owner Steve Cohen’s spending power and a talented core, Sabathia believes they’ll return hungrier and more energized than the Yankees.
Battle for New York moves to free agency
The rivalry between the Yankees and Mets now extends far beyond the field. This winter, both clubs will be aggressive in the free-agent market, chasing many of the same targets.
Top names like Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker could command major offers. Both teams need outfield and lineup reinforcements, which could spark another high-profile bidding war.
The Mets have already shown they can win these off-field battles. Last offseason, they landed superstar Juan Soto, who chose Queens over the Bronx. The move stunned the Yankees and sent a message that Cohen’s Mets can now compete financially and strategically with anyone.
A similar showdown unfolded when Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto hit the market. Both New York teams made strong offers, but the Mets reportedly outbid the Yankees before Yamamoto ultimately chose the Dodgers. Even in defeat, Cohen’s aggressiveness reinforced that the Bronx Bombers no longer hold the financial upper hand in New York baseball.
Cohen’s wallet changes everything
For decades, the Yankees defined baseball’s economic landscape. They could outspend any rival. But Cohen’s arrival as Mets owner has rewritten those rules.
Since taking over, Cohen has shattered payroll records and turned the Mets into a free-agent powerhouse. His willingness to spend big has forced the Yankees to adapt — a jarring adjustment for a franchise long accustomed to being baseball’s biggest spender.
Now, with both clubs entering pivotal offseasons, the Yankees must compete not only with their rivals’ roster but also with their financial muscle. The Bronx Bombers can no longer assume every star wants to wear pinstripes first.
Trade market could see bidding war
If top pitchers like Tarik Skubal of the Tigers or Joe Ryan of the Twins become available, both the Yankees and Mets are expected to be involved. Each club needs front-line starting pitching, and both possess strong farm systems to offer in trade discussions.
That sets the stage for an intense trade market. The question will be which front office blinks first. Will Brian Cashman be willing to part with top Yankees prospects to add a proven ace? Or will Cohen’s Mets move faster and more decisively?
These decisions could shape the competitive landscape in New York for years to come.
Yankees face critical offseason decisions
The pressure on the Yankees’ front office has rarely been greater. Sabathia’s comments echo what many inside the fan base already feel — that the franchise has lost some of its edge.
The Yankees must address several glaring weaknesses. Their bullpen depth remains uncertain. The rotation, even with Max Fried and Cam Schlittler expected to lead the way next season, could use more stability. Offensively, consistency continues to be a concern.
Cashman and manager Aaron Boone face mounting scrutiny. After years of near-misses and postseason frustration, Yankees fans want bold moves, not more patience.
What this means for Yankees fans
Hearing criticism from Sabathia carries weight because of who he is. He isn’t an outsider — he’s a World Series champion who understands the expectations of wearing pinstripes. His warning feels personal because he once embodied the grit and leadership the Yankees are known for.
Fans in the Bronx demand excellence. Anything short of contention feels like failure. The idea that the Mets could surpass them as New York’s team is almost unthinkable. But Sabathia’s assessment forces an uncomfortable question: have the Yankees fallen behind?
Can the Yankees prove doubters wrong?
Despite Sabathia’s concerns, the Yankees still have the resources to respond. Aaron Judge remains an elite talent. The addition of Max Fried gives the rotation a new anchor. Gerrit Cole is nearing a return from Tommy John surgery.
The pieces for a turnaround are there — but execution will determine everything. The Yankees need to spend wisely, manage injuries, and regain the swagger that once made them baseball’s measuring stick.
The Mets, meanwhile, are young, aggressive, and motivated. Cohen’s spending power combined with their recent underdog energy makes them dangerous.
As Sabathia’s comments circulate, the challenge is clear. The Yankees must show they still run New York. Anything less, and one of their own may have been right — that the Mets have truly become the city’s best bet for a championship.
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