UPDATE: The New York Mets faced another devastating defeat on Friday night, succumbing to the Seattle Mariners in a gripping 11-9 loss at Citi Field. This latest setback marks their 14th loss in 16 games, pushing them six games behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East and leaving them precariously just a half-game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the third and final NL wild card spot.
Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor expressed the team’s frustration, stating, “It’s part of the mountain. You got to climb the mountain, and right now we’re in a very steep part of it.” With only 40 games left in the regular season, the urgency to turn their fortunes around has never been greater.
Once boasting the best record in baseball with a remarkable 45-24 mark through June 12, the Mets have since spiraled to a dismal 19-34, ranking among the worst in the majors. Only the Washington Nationals have performed worse during this stretch. The stark contrast to last year’s unexpected NL Championship Series run is troubling for fans and players alike.
The Mets’ struggles have come from multiple fronts, with offensive droughts, starting pitcher failures, and now, shocking bullpen collapses. In the latest game, the Mets held a 6-4 lead through five innings before their bullpen imploded, surrendering seven runs over the next three frames. Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager, lamented the situation, saying, “It’s hard to describe, especially with how much talent and elite arms we got back there.”
Despite recent acquisitions aimed at strengthening the bullpen, including Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers, the Mets have struggled to maintain leads. In the seventh inning, the Mariners capitalized, scoring five runs and snatching the lead for good. Veteran pitcher Brooks Raley remarked, “I haven’t seen anything like this. Our offense did that tonight… Score nine against a team like that, you probably should win the game.”
Mendoza reiterated his belief that the Mets are too talented to remain mired in this downward spiral. “Bottom line, we gotta start playing better,” he stated. However, the clock is ticking as the team grapples with both mounting losses and dwindling opportunities to secure a playoff spot.
Fans are left questioning how a team with such high expectations could falter so dramatically. With the Phillies extending their lead and the Reds closing in, the pressure is mounting for the Mets to find a way to regain their winning form. The question remains: Can they climb the mountain before it’s too late?
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Mets to see if they can reverse their fortunes and avoid further disappointment in the weeks ahead.