Summer brings sizzling sports action to New York — and beyond

The summer has arrived, which means it’s time to hit the ballparks in The Bronx and Queens.

It’s time to see the Liberty in Brooklyn, check in on the Cyclones in Coney Island, or catch up with the Jets and Giants once training camp begins in late July. 

There are big stars to see over the next few months and plenty of options to choose from.

The Post’s Zach Braziller breaks down the sizzling sports scene ahead: 

Subway Series (June 25-26, July 23-24) 

Yankees fans have realistic World Series dreams.

Mets fans have daily nightmares.

The team in The Bronx owns the best record in baseball, while their Queens counterparts are much closer to the NL East basement than its penthouse. 

On paper, this is a mismatch, but strange things seem to happen when the two locals meet.

At the least, the Mets have a chance to put a rare smile on the faces of their fans with a few unexpected wins over one of their rivals. 

NBA draft (June 26-27) 

For the first time, the NBA draft is a two-day event.

Though it has been panned as one of the weaker crops of talent in recent years, it is highlighted by Bronny James — the son of LeBron James, the one-and-done USC guard who’s selection could impact which team his father plays for next year. 

The Knicks, who haven’t made a first-round selection since taking Quentin Grimes 25th overall in 2021, own two first-rounders (Nos. 24-25) this year that they can use to improve their depth.

The rebuilding Nets, however, don’t have a single pick in the draft, which will be held at their home of Barclays Center. 

NBA free agency (June 30) 

After back-to-back trips to the second round, the Knicks want to take the next step.

That starts here.

Team president Leon Rose has two key free agents he would be smart to retain in OG Anunoby and Isaiah Hartenstein.

The Nets have a big free agent of their own in big man Nic Claxton.

There are some potential huge names who can hit the market, from LeBron James to Paul George to Jrue Holiday.

James Harden, Pascal Siakam and DeMar DeRozan will also be available.

It figures to be a frenetic few days in the Association. 

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest (July 4) 

The event drew major headlines this week after The Post broke the news that Joey Chestnut was barred from this year’s event over a contract dispute related to him repping another hot dog brand.

But Chestnut expressed hope that something could be worked out with Major League Eating, which sanctions the tradition, that would allow him to compete.

The 16-time Nathan’s hot dog eating contest champ is one of the major draws for the popular contest.

Here’s hoping “Jaws” will be there to defend his title. 

MLB All-Star Game (July 16) 

The defending World Series champion Rangers will host the midsummer classic for the first time since 1995, and there figures to be a heavy Yankees contingent at Globe Life field.

Dominant rookie Luis Gil is in play to start the game for the American League, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto are locks for selection, and Clay Holmes, Carlos Rodon and Anthony Volpe are also strong candidates.

It’s much more difficult to pick a Met, though former Yankee Luis Severino (3.12 ERA) has made a case for himself. 

MLB trade deadline (July 27-30) 

Will homegrown slugger Pete Alonso stay or go?

That will be the No. 1 storyline around here, as top executive David Stearns navigates his first trade deadline with the Mets, who are a likely seller.

At the other end of the spectrum, look for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to be active as he tries to add to his contending club.

Deepening the lineup and fortifying the bullpen are two areas that should be addressed. 

Giants training camp (July) 

Electric rookie receiver Malik Nabers is reason enough to check in on Big Blue this summer.

The first-round pick out of LSU already wowed his new teammates and coaches during spring workouts.

Nabers, along with new pass-rushing demon Brian Burns (acquired in a trade with the Panthers), gives the Giants some hope after a dismal six-win season a year ago. 

Jets training camp (July) 

All eyes will be on the left Achilles tendon of Aaron Rodgers.

The four-time MVP is working his way back.

He missed all but four plays last season after tearing it in the regular season opener, and he is the unquestioned key to the Jets returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

Another key question: Will new defensive end Haason Reddick show up at the start of training camp?

In search of a new deal, the former Eagle skipped OTAs and the mandatory two-day minicamp. 

Summer Olympics (July 26-Aug. 11) 

Barring being used as an injury replacement, Caitlin Clark won’t be there as part of the USA Women’s basketball team, but there will be several star Americans in Paris fighting for gold.

From Simone Biles in gymnastics and Kate Douglass and Katie Ledecky in swimming to Coco Gauff in women’s tennis and LeBron James and Steph Curry in men’s basketball, there will be no shortage of reasons to tune in. 

Cyclones (ongoing-September) 

Tired of watching the Mets lose?

Make the trip to Coney Island, take a dip in the ocean and see touted prospects like pitcher Jonah Tong play for the team’s Single-A squad.

If you’re a “Seinfield” fan, Aug. 10 would be a great day to go.

The team is giving out a George Costanza bobblehead to the first 2,000 fans in attendance. 

Liberty (ongoing-September) 

Last year’s runner-up is a title contender once again, off to an 11-2 start behind the explosive trio of Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones.

Barclays Center is the place to catch them in action. They have a legitimate chance to end our city’s title drought. 

Yankees Old-Timers’ Day (Aug. 24) 

The 76th Old-Timers’ Day will have a special twist: The Yankees will honor their last championship team, the 2009 unit of Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera, on the 15th anniversary of their title run. 

Giants vs. Jets (Aug. 24) 

The two teams will close out the preseason against one another in what will be their final tuneup before the games count for real.

You won’t see the starters for very long, but that quarter or so will be a nice teaser for September. 

U.S. Open tennis (Aug. 26-Sept. 8) 

Defending men’s champion Novak Djokovic is a question mark after suffering a torn meniscus in his right knee at the French Open.

But bright young star Carlos Alcaraz, who won the 2022 Open and the French, will be one of the favorites and has become a fan favorite.

Gauff may be the headliner, as the American looks to repeat as the women’s champion.