The New York Mets dropped their ninth consecutive game, losing 12-4 to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Friday afternoon. During the streak, the Mets have been outscored 56-16, averaging a deficit of 4.44 runs per game. This marks their longest losing skid since 2004.
The Mets, now 7-13 and five games behind in the NL East, absorbed another heavy defeat. A two-out error by first baseman Brett Baty in the fourth inning allowed an extra run, contributing to the lopsided score. The team has struggled with hitting, pitching, and defense throughout the streak, despite boasting the highest payroll in baseball for the fourth straight season. Key injuries, including to outfielder Juan Soto, have hampered their efforts, though other clubs manage similar setbacks more effectively. Manager Carlos Mendoza received public support from president of baseball operations David Stearns. Stearns said, via ESPN, 'I think Mendy's doing a really good job. I think he's putting our players in a position to succeed. He's enormously consistent.' This loss revives memories of last season's collapse, when the Mets held baseball's best record at 45-24 on June 12 before going 38-55 the rest of the way. An eight-game September skid helped derail their playoff hopes. The Mets' previous longest streak was 11 games in 2004, with the franchise record at 17 in 1962. Saturday's game offers a chance to avoid their 14th 10-game skid in history. Owner Steve Cohen may soon question the spending if results do not improve.
