The New York Mets Collapse Continues, Losing Their 8th Straight Game

The New York Mets exceeded expectations in 2024, getting all the way to the NLCS. In their Cinderella run, they took out some of the best teams in the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies. In the offseason, they handed out the largest contract in sports history, signing Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million deal. With the exciting year they put together in 2024, the Mets were now viewed as World Series contenders.

Mets Started Off Hot

Through the first three months, New York started the season 36-22, and did this with a slow start from Soto. The Mets slowed down in June, losing two of their top pitchers. The rotation was already thin with the loss of Sean Manaea, but they lost two more starters in June. Griffin Canning suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon on a non-contact play against the Atlanta Braves, and Kodai Senga suffered a right hamstring strain, sidelining him for multiple weeks. 

President of Baseball Operations David Stearns was able to strike gold with the rotation in 2024 without giving anyone a long-term deal, and tried to do the same thing this season. Unfortunately for Stearns, his formula from last season wouldn’t work again. The only reliable starter in the rotation has been David Peterson, with Clay Holmes having a strong season as well.

New York was able to get two of their top starters back in the same week when Senga and Sean returned in mid-July. Since returning from injury, they have both been awful. In 9 starts, Senga has a record of 0-3, a 5.90 ERA, and has given up 26 earned runs. Manaea has been equally as bad, posting a 5.76 ERA in 11 appearances.

The Collapse Starts

The Mets’ pitching was starting to hurt them, as all of the starters besides David Peterson would struggle to get through five or more innings. In dire need of pitching, Stearns went out and enforced the bullpen. He made three separate trades, bringing in Gregory Soto, Ryan Helsley, and Tyler Rogers. Helsey has been one of the worst additions at the deadline, having an ERA over ten. Soto hasn’t been great either, having a 4.50 ERA. Rogers has been one of their best relievers, posting a 2.25 ERA.

While Stearns was active, the moves he made hurt the team more than it helped it. To try and give the team a much-needed jolt, they decided to call up top pitching prospect Nolan McLean. McLean has been absolutely fantastic in 5 games, having a 4-1 record, 1.42 ERA, and 33 strikeouts. They tried the same thing with Jonah Tong, but he’s struggled in his first three Major League starts.

The youth movement was fun while it lasted for the Mets, but their struggles continued. Since sweeping the Phillies at home, the Mets have gone 4-11 in their last 15 games, showing no fight at any point. They have now lost eight straight games, and could be out of a playoff spot with a win by the San Francisco Giants tonight.

David Stearns Failed

Stearns tried to cut corners in the offseason, and it’s coming back to haunt him. He’s trying to rely on his young pitching when this whole situation could’ve been avoided, had he gone after a veteran starter after he landed Soto. Steve Cohen isn’t afraid to use his resources, but the person to whom he’s giving the resources is becoming a problem.

Carlos Mendoza should also hold some part of the blame. He’s made questionable decisions all year, but I don’t expect his job security to be at risk because of the strong season he was able to put together in his first season as the Mets manager. Having to watch this team daily is tough, and they just don’t show up or care when they’re on the field. Of course, anything can change; that’s baseball. But with the way things look right now, a lot would have to change for the Mets to have a chance at a World Series, let alone the playoffs.