Stunning MLB stat proves Mets' playoff aspirations doomed after unforgettable historic collapse

Hunter Cookston

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Stunning MLB stat proves Mets' playoff aspirations doomed after unforgettable historic collapse image

The New York Mets are now fighting for a spot in the MLB playoffs after once looking like a postseason lock just a few short months ago. Now, there's serious doubt about whether they'll even make it. Their biggest concern: avoiding a tiebreaker with the Cincinnati Reds, who hold the advantage.

“The Cincinnati Reds now control their destiny for the third wild card spot in the National League. They own the tiebreaker over the New York Mets, who previously had been in control of a playoff spot every day since April 5,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.

This extended stretch of poor performance could go down as one of the worst late-season collapses in MLB history. Passan didn’t call it a collapse, though—he used a stronger word: disintegration.

“The New York Mets, losers of six straight, are down 6-0 and facing Jacob deGrom. Since starting 45-24 and owning the best record in MLB, the Mets are 31-47, better than only the Rockies, Twins and Nationals. This isn't a collapse. It's a disintegration,” Passan posted.

The Mets still have a roster full of talent—Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and several other stars—but things continue to spiral, and there appears to be no easy fix. With October fast approaching, history isn’t on New York’s side.

“The Mets lost 7 straight in June. They lost 7 straight again in August. They lost 8 straight in September. The only team in MLB history to have 3 separate 7+ game losing streaks & yet still make the playoffs was the 2006 Cardinals, who went on to win the World Series that year,” Opta Stats posted.

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The odds may be stacked against them, but the Mets still have a chance—however slim—to turn things around. They’ll need to play their best baseball for at least one more week.

History isn't in their favor, but it’s never too late to change the narrative. With a roster this talented, if the Mets do make it in, anything is possible.

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Hunter Cookston

Hunter Cookston began his career as a sportswriter for the Marion Tribune, where he covered local high school football, basketball and baseball. His passion for sports started at the age of four when he played his first year of tee ball. Growing up in Tennessee, he developed a deep love for the Tennessee Volunteers and Atlanta Braves. Hunter is currently attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Communications/Management.