URGENT UPDATE: The New York Mets’ playoff aspirations hang by a thread following a disheartening 9-3 loss to the last-place Washington Nationals on August 3, 2023. Despite star player Juan Soto insisting the team is “100 percent” capable of reaching the postseason, the Mets’ recent struggles raise serious doubts.
Poor starting pitching and a slew of injuries have plunged the Mets into a tailspin, losing 16 of their last 21 games. They now sit a daunting seven games behind first-place Philadelphia in the NL East and cling to a slim lead over Cincinnati for the final NL wild-card spot.
“Since day one, we believe in each other and we believe we can make it to the playoffs,” Soto stated. “We’ve just got to play better as a team and try to win more games.” However, the Mets’ performance tells a different story, with their latest defeat marking another setback in a challenging season.
In the disappointing series finale against Washington, Soto went 0-for-8 with five strikeouts, failing to capitalize on his recent success, including his 31st homer in a prior win. Currently batting just .247 in the first year of his record $765 million contract, Soto’s struggles reflect a larger issue within the team.
Injuries are compounding the Mets’ woes. Catcher Francisco Alvarez is dealing with a sprained ligament in his right thumb, requiring surgery, while outfielders Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil are sidelined with injuries that leave the team shorthanded. Manager Carlos Mendoza faced tough decisions, even bringing in McNeil to pinch-hit despite the player’s sore shoulder.
“It starts with our starters, starting pitching. They set the tone. When they go, the whole team pretty much goes,” Mendoza explained.
With the Mets’ rotation faltering—Kodai Senga has a troubling 6.00 ERA over his last six starts—the team struggles to find consistency. Senga averaged fewer than five innings per appearance, while Sean Manaea has yet to complete six innings in any of his eight starts this season.
The Mets are set to face the Atlanta Braves this weekend, a critical series that could determine their fate. Following that, they return to Citi Field to host the Phillies. With only seven games left against division leaders, the path to securing a wild-card spot seems the most realistic route to the playoffs.
“We don’t have much time left,” Mendoza emphasized. “So, we’ve got to play better.” The clock is ticking for the Mets as they navigate a tumultuous August.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the team attempts to turn their fortunes around in the coming days. The urgency is palpable, and the Mets must rise to the occasion if they hope to salvage their season.