The New York Yankees edged out the New York Mets in a thrilling three-game series this past weekend, capturing two of three games and captivating baseball fans nationwide.
The rivalry clash drew historic viewership numbers that underscore just how much interest the crosstown showdown generates.
Sunday night’s series finale attracted an average of 2.54 million viewers, peaking at 3.02 million, according to ESPN.
This made it the most-watched Sunday Night Baseball telecast on ESPN in seven years, as well as the highest-rated MLB game across all platforms during the 2025 season.
The game’s viewership surged by 69 percent compared to last year’s Sunday Night Baseball average, and MLB’s overall ratings on ESPN are up 12 percent this season – impressive gains amid uncertainty surrounding the network’s relationship with the league.
Sunday Night Baseball itself might be nearing its end on ESPN.
Earlier this year, the network opted out of the final three years of its MLB broadcast deal, signaling a rocky partnership with baseball. Still, the recent spike in ratings could encourage ESPN to reconsider its position or negotiate a new agreement.
In a memo sent in March, Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed dissatisfaction with the limited MLB coverage on ESPN’s platforms outside of live games.
The league is reportedly considering dividing its broadcast rights into three segments, potentially handing the Home Run Derby to FOX and Sunday night games to NBC.
For now, ESPN is capitalizing on the excitement generated by the Yankees and Mets, whose Sunday game was far more dramatic than the 8-2 final score suggests. The teams were locked in a 2-2 deadlock heading into the eighth inning before the Yankees erupted for six runs, highlighted by a grand slam from Cody Bellinger.
Starting pitcher Max Fried held strong for six innings, anchoring the Yankees’ efforts.
Both Fried and Bellinger have become key figures in the Yankees’ response to Mets superstar Juan Soto’s high-profile signing. Over the weekend, Soto struggled, going 1-for-10, providing the Yankees’ fans a measure of satisfaction.
Soto, meanwhile, reportedly declined ESPN’s request to mic him up during the game and skipped postgame media availability, adding another layer of intrigue to the intense rivalry.
As the broadcast landscape around MLB shifts, the Yankees-Mets rivalry remains a consistent ratings powerhouse – and a potential bargaining chip for ESPN amid its uncertain baseball future.
What are your thoughts on the impressive ratings that the Subway Series pulled in?
In the bigger picture, what are your thoughts on MLB’s response to ESPN’s lack of baseball coverage and the fact that the partnership is expected to come to an end???
