The New York Mets are spiraling, nearly out of the wild-card race. Through June 11, the Mets had the best record in the majors, but now sit only a half-game ahead of the San Francisco Giants for the final National League wild-card spot in the midst of an eight-game losing streak. The Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks are also lurking 1 1/2 and two games back, respectively.
This marks the third losing streak for the Mets that has lasted at least seven games, and their second of the second half. During this stretch, they have found plenty of ways to lose. Their biggest weakness, though, has been their offense.
Headlined by star sluggers Juan Soto, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor the Mets have failed to score more than four runs during the skid, hitting that mark just once.
Amid the playoff race, that output won’t do — especially against winning clubs like Cincinnati, Philadelphia and Texas.
With 13 games remaining, the Mets have the second-easiest remaining strength of schedule among the four teams fighting for the final wild-card spot. The Giants have the most favorable schedule, while Cincinnati and Arizona’s rank among the seven most difficult.
Finishing the weekend series against the Rangers on Sunday, Mets fans will be relieved to have Noah McLean on the mound. Since debuting for New York late in the season, he has gone 4-1 with a 1.42 ERA in five starts. They’ll need his best effort to shake off the skid and hold off pursuers for the final National League playoff spot.