Mets Mired in Nine-Game Losing Streak

Longest skid since 2004 leaves New York at bottom of NL East

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented baseball game, with overlapping planes of muted blue, grey, and brown tones representing the Mets' disjointed play during their losing streak.The Mets' prolonged losing streak exposes the team's offensive struggles and fragmented performance on the field.NYC Today

The New York Mets are enduring a brutal nine-game losing streak, their longest since 2004, after falling 12-4 to the Chicago Cubs on Friday, April 17, 2026. The loss dropped the Mets to a 7-13 record on the season and last place in the National League East division.

Why it matters

The Mets' offensive struggles during this skid, scoring just 10 runs over their last seven games, have been exacerbated by the absence of star outfielder Juan Soto, who has missed 11 games due to injury. With the Mets' $352 million payroll being the highest in MLB, owner Steve Cohen has turned to social media to try to reassure fans during this difficult stretch.

The details

The Mets' nine-game losing streak is their longest since 2004 and surpasses recent skids, including an eight-game loss streak in 2018 and another in September 2025. The franchise record remains a 17-game losing streak set in 1961.

  • The Mets lost 12-4 to the Chicago Cubs on Friday, April 17, 2026.
  • The Mets' nine-game losing streak is their longest since 2004.

The players

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets.

Juan Soto

A star outfielder for the New York Mets who has missed 11 games due to a calf injury.

Steve Cohen

The owner of the New York Mets.

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What they’re saying

“This is a brutal reality for our team right now amid our ongoing struggles.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Manager

What’s next

The Mets will look to end their losing streak when they face the Cubs again on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The Mets' prolonged losing streak and offensive woes, exacerbated by the absence of star player Juan Soto, have put the team in last place in the NL East and raised concerns among fans despite the franchise's high payroll. Owner Steve Cohen is attempting to reassure supporters during this difficult stretch.