mets - cubs

The Mets’ Losing Streak Hits Historic Low: A 22-Year Drought Ends in Wrigley Field Blowout

New York, NY — The New York Mets are facing their darkest hour in nearly a quarter-century. For the first time since 2004, the team is mired in a nine-game losing streak—a skid that reached its nadir on Friday night with a crushing 12-4 defeat at the hands of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

The loss not only extended the Mets’ historic slide but also marked the most lopsided game in the series this season. With this result, New York has now been outscored by opponents by a staggering margin over the course of the current losing streak, underscoring a season gone off the rails.

A Franchise Record Skid Unfolds

According to verified reports from CBS Sports and MLB.com, the Mets’ ninth straight loss ties their longest losing streak since 2004—a span that ended with a wild-card playoff appearance and a World Series run under manager Willie Randolph. That memory now feels like ancient history.

The latest blow came after an explosive offensive explosion by the Cubs, who scored double-digit runs for the third consecutive game. Moisés Ballesteros, Nico Hoerner, and Ian Happ each homered, while Chicago’s bullpen held firm despite placing closer Daniel Palencia on the 15-day injured list following his dominant outing last Sunday.

“We’re not playing good baseball right now,” said Mets shortstop Brett Baty after the game, per SNY. “It’s terrible on both sides of the ball. Offense, defense, pitching—we’re just not executing.”

Baty’s candid admission reflects a broader sense of frustration across the clubhouse. The Mets entered Friday’s contest already reeling from internal turmoil, having placed star Jorge Polanco on the 10-day injured list due to right wrist contusion and lingering Achilles bursitis. In his place, utility man Hayden Senger was called up from Triple-A Syracuse—a move seen by many as a sign that the front office is running out of answers.

Breaking Down the Collapse

The game itself wasn’t close. From the opening inning, Chicago seized control with aggressive base running and timely hitting. By the fourth, the Cubs led 6–0 thanks in part to a three-run blast from rookie sensation Moisés Ballesteros, who continues to impress in his second full MLB season.

For New York, it was déjà vu all over again—another failed attempt to snap the skid. Since April began, the Mets have compiled a record of 2–11, with opponents averaging more than six runs per game against them during the current stretch. Defense has been porous; starters like Kodai Senga and David Peterson have struggled to find consistency; and offense has sputtered, failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

“This isn’t sustainable,” one anonymous clubhouse source told reporters postgame. “People are starting to lose faith.”

The emotional toll is palpable. Fans who once packed Citi Field hoping for a return to relevance have grown restless. Social media is flooded with calls for change, while local sports talk shows debate whether interim manager Carlos Mendoza—who took over last year after Buck Showalter’s abrupt departure—has the tools needed to reverse the trend.

Historical Context: When Did the Last Time Happen?

To understand just how dire this situation is, consider what happened when the Mets last lost nine straight games back in 2004. Under manager Jim Leyland (not Randolph), the team finished with a winning record and earned a wild-card berth. They then stunned the baseball world by sweeping the Braves in the NLDS before falling to the Cardinals in Game 7 of the NLCS.

That season remains one of the few bright spots in franchise history. Fast forward two decades, and the parallels are chilling: young stars rising, high expectations, and a core that seemed poised for greatness now unraveling under pressure.

“Losing streaks happen,” said longtime Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo of SNY. “But when they hit double digits or approach the single digits, you know something fundamental is broken. Right now, it’s not just about bad luck—it’s about execution, focus, and leadership.”

Immediate Fallout: Roster Moves and Injury Concerns

Before Friday’s game, the Mets announced yet another setback: Jorge Polanco’s placement on the IL. The veteran infielder had been battling wrist pain for weeks and reportedly aggravated it during a collision at second base earlier in the week. His absence leaves a massive void defensively and offensively, particularly in the heart of the lineup where he’d previously posted a .285 batting average.

Meanwhile, rumors swirl about potential trades before the July deadline. Names like Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox) and Dylan Cease (Padres) have surfaced in speculative discussions, though no official offers have been made. General manager David Stearns insists the team remains committed to building through the draft and player development—but patience is wearing thin.

“We believe in our process,” Stearns said during a press conference Thursday. “But we also recognize that wins matter. We’ll make decisions based on what’s best for the organization long-term.”

What Comes Next? Can the Mets Turn It Around?

With 150 games remaining in the regular season—and already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention—the immediate goal shifts from contention to culture reset. Young players like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso remain vocal leaders, but even their presence hasn’t sparked momentum.

Analysts suggest several paths forward:

1. Reevaluate the pitching staff: The rotation has allowed 5.8 runs per nine innings this month. Promoting top prospect Calvin Austin or restructuring roles could provide relief.

2. Embrace analytics-driven lineup construction: Manager Carlos Mendoza has relied heavily on platoon splits, but recent data suggests some decisions may be outdated. Adjustments in pinch-hitting and defensive alignment are overdue.

3. Focus on fundamentals: Errors, passed balls, and mental mistakes have defined the streak. Drills emphasizing situational awareness and accountability must become non-negotiable.

4. Prepare for a rebuild mindset: If the trade market doesn’t yield upgrades, the Mets may pivot toward accumulating draft picks and prospects—a strategy that worked well under former GM Billy Beane in Oakland.

As for Saturday’s matchup against the Cubs? Oddsmakers give New York a slight edge, citing home-field advantage and Chicago’s recent fatigue. But given the current trajectory, optimism remains scarce.

“We’ve got to find a way to win one,” said Baty. “Just one. Then maybe we can build from there.”

Final Thoughts

The Mets’ nine-game skid is more than a statistical anomaly—it’s a symptom of deeper organizational challenges. While injuries and bad luck play a role, sustained failure demands systemic change. Whether that comes via coaching adjustments, roster overhauls, or renewed emphasis on player development remains to be seen.

In the meantime, fans brace for more heartbreak. And somewhere in Queens, a city that loves its Mets more than any other team deserves, hope still flickers—even if it’s dimmed by the lights of Wrigley Field.

Sources: - SNY – Brett Baty owns 'terrible' play on both sides of ball - CBS Sports – Mets drop ninth straight for their longest losing streak since 2004 - MLB.com – Compilation of issues contributes to Mets' longest skid in 22 years - AP News coverage of April 17, 2026 game - New York Post analysis and postgame reporting