UPDATE: The New York Mets’ playoff hopes hang by a thread after a devastating 9-3 loss to the last-place Washington Nationals on Thursday. Despite star player Juan Soto insisting the team is “100 percent” capable of reaching the postseason, the Mets have slumped dramatically, winning only 5 out of their last 21 games.
The defeat marks another low point for a team boasting the most expensive roster in Major League Baseball, with a staggering $765 million contract for Soto. “We’ve just got to play better as a team and try to win more games,” Soto stated emphatically after the game. The Mets now find themselves seven games behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East and just one-half game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the final NL wild-card spot.
Injuries and inconsistent pitching have plagued the Mets throughout August. Notably, catcher Francisco Alvarez is out with a sprained ligament in his right thumb, requiring surgery, while left fielder Brandon Nimmo sat out Thursday’s game due to a stiff neck. Second baseman Jeff McNeil, who has been struggling with a sore right shoulder, was forced to pinch-hit and struck out, highlighting the team’s desperate situation.
Manager Carlos Mendoza acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “It starts with our starters, starting pitching. They set the tone.” The Mets’ rotation has faltered, with Kodai Senga posting a troubling 6.00 ERA in his last six starts, averaging less than five innings per appearance.
As the Mets prepare to face the Atlanta Braves this weekend, the pressure mounts. Mendoza emphasized the urgency, saying, “We don’t have much time left. So, we’ve got to play better.” With only a handful of games remaining against division leaders, securing a wild-card spot is increasingly seen as the more realistic path to the playoffs.
Fans and analysts alike are left wondering if the Mets can turn the tide before it’s too late. With the postseason looming, every game counts. The urgency is palpable—this is a pivotal moment for a team once seen as a contender. Stay tuned for further updates as the Mets’ season hangs in the balance.
