The New York Mets have officially hit rock bottom, stretching their losing streak to a grim 10 consecutive games following a recent 4-2 defeat to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. This marks their longest such skid since 2004.
The team's offensive struggles have been particularly stark, managing only 16 runs over their last nine contests, an average dipping below two runs per game. This performance paints a grim picture, especially considering the Cubs themselves have been on a winning streak, taking four straight and averaging nearly nine runs in that span.
The recent loss saw a flicker of life from Mark Vientos, who homered to give New York an early lead. However, the advantage was short-lived. The game turned in the sixth inning when a pinch-hitter for Chicago connected for a three-run home run, ultimately sealing the Mets' fate. Pitching has also been a concern, with David Peterson (0-3, 6.41 ERA) set to start the series finale against Chicago's Javier Assad (1-1, 8.10 ERA).
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Despite the mounting losses, there's an insistence from within the organization that this slump won't define the season. President of baseball operations David Stearns acknowledged the stagnation, stating, "when you don’t hit, when there’s not a lot of action on the bases, when you can’t get the double with runners on base, it can feel stagnant." Manager Carlos Mendoza echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for better execution. Even owner Steve Cohen has reached out to fans, urging them to "hang in there."
This downward spiral comes after a significant offseason, where the Mets reconfigured their coaching staff, altered their roster, and parted with key players, all in an effort to distance themselves from a disappointing 2025 season. That year saw them collapse from a dominant position in June to missing the playoffs entirely.
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The team is also grappling with injuries, with Jorge Polanco recently placed on the injured list with a wrist contusion. Juan Soto's absence has also been noted, with one report suggesting the Mets "look lost" without him. Meanwhile, players like Carson Benge haven't performed to expectations, though the organization maintains faith in his abilities. Concerns are also being raised about starting pitcher Kodai Senga, who has shown signs of struggle, including a poor outing where his fastball lacked its usual zip and command was an issue. Peterson himself, once a reliable arm, has been "pummeled" this season.
