New York Mets are now facing a significant predicament after succumbing to their tenth consecutive defeat, a 4-2 outcome against the Chicago Cubs on Saturday. This string of losses, which now places the team at a grim 7-14 record for the season, has significantly diminished their prospects for the postseason, a scenario historians of the game suggest is statistically improbable for teams enduring such a protracted losing spell early in the year.
The team's on-field performance appears to be unraveling on multiple fronts. Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged a general difficulty in playing a "complete game," citing issues with pitching, making crucial plays, and delivering timely hits. The pitching staff, in particular, has shown weakness, conceding an average of 6.0 runs per game throughout this losing streak. The offense is also struggling, notably impacted by the absence of Juan Soto, who is currently on the injured list with a calf strain. Even established "All-Stars" have reportedly been underperforming.
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The palpable frustration is not confined to the dugout. Mets fans have voiced their anger and disappointment, bombarding team owner Steve Cohen and the club's official social media channels with messages, some calling for a complete overhaul of personnel. This vocal reaction from the fanbase stands in stark contrast to Cohen's earlier appeals for patience, made via social media just a week prior, where he pointed to "silver linings" amidst earlier struggles.
The specific game that cemented the double-digit losing streak saw the Cubs clinch the victory with a decisive three-run homer from pinch-hitter Carson Kelly in the sixth inning, undoing an early lead the Mets had taken on a Mark Vientos home run. Chicago’s Ian Happ also contributed a home run to their cause, marking their fourth consecutive win.
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This prolonged period of defeat is a stark departure from recent history. The Mets, who reportedly carry a "big budget," are now grappling with a slump that echoes past difficulties, including a "disastrous second half" that saw them miss the postseason last year. Their current offensive output has been particularly meager, with only two home runs recorded during the entire losing streak.
The Mets are scheduled to face the Cubs again on Sunday, April 18th, in an attempt to avoid a series sweep, a task that, given the current trajectory, seems increasingly uphill.
