Mets Vs. Yankees: Ranking The Most Despised Players In Subway Series History

3 min read Post on May 19, 2025

Mets vs. Yankees: Ranking the Most Despised Players in Subway Series History

The Subway Series. A clash of titans, a battle for New York City supremacy, and a crucible forging intense rivalries that burn hotter than any October baseball. But beyond the iconic stadiums and legendary managers, it's the players themselves – the ones who deliver clutch hits, throw crucial pitches, and sometimes, just plain rub it in – who truly etch themselves into the annals of this storied rivalry. This article dives deep into the history of the Mets-Yankees showdown to rank the most despised players from both sides, igniting the flames of friendly (or not-so-friendly) debate.

Before we begin, let's acknowledge that "despised" is subjective. What one fan considers a villain, another might see as a fierce competitor. This ranking considers a combination of on-field performance against the rival, controversial moments, and the overall reaction from the opposing fanbase.

5. (Yankees) Aroldis Chapman: The Fireballer Who Fueled Fury

Aroldis Chapman’s overpowering fastball and intimidating presence on the mound have made him a nightmare for hitters – especially those in Mets uniforms. His high-octane performances against the Mets, coupled with the occasional controversial incident, have solidified his place among the most disliked Yankees by Mets fans. Remember that infamous brawl? Enough said.

4. (Mets) Carlos Beltrán: From Hero to… Well, Complicated

Carlos Beltrán's Mets tenure was largely successful, but his later involvement in the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal irrevocably tainted his legacy in the eyes of many baseball fans, including Yankees fans. While his on-field performance against the Yankees wasn’t always overtly antagonistic, the scandal casts a long shadow, making him a controversial figure in the context of this intense rivalry.

3. (Yankees) Derek Jeter: The Captain's Cold Calculation

While universally respected for his career and leadership, Derek Jeter's icy demeanor and seemingly effortless success against the Mets have made him a target of some fans' ire. His clutch hits and unwavering focus, while admired by Yankees faithful, often left Mets fans seething. His legendary status doesn’t shield him from the frustration he instilled in opposing fans throughout his career.

2. (Mets) Jose Reyes: The Flashpoint of Frustration

Jose Reyes' speed, energy, and sometimes overly aggressive style of play made him a polarizing figure in the Subway Series. His aggressive base running, occasional showboating, and moments of intense competition against the Yankees have cemented his place near the top of the "most disliked" list for many Yankee fans.

1. (Yankees) Alex Rodriguez: The Ultimate Villain

This choice might be unsurprising to many. Alex Rodriguez, with his controversial PED use, immense talent, and seemingly arrogant demeanor, is arguably the most despised Yankees player in Mets history. His performance against the Mets, combined with his off-field controversies, created a perfect storm of animosity from the opposing team's fans. His name alone can still ignite a furious debate among fans.

This ranking is, of course, open to debate. Who do you think deserves a place on this list? Let us know in the comments below! Share your memories of the most heated Subway Series moments and the players who fueled the rivalry. Which players, in your opinion, rank among the most despised in the history of this iconic baseball battle? Let the debate begin!