Mets Hit 12-Game Losing Streak and Nobody in Baseball Has Survived This Anymore

The New York Mets are in freefall. Their losing streak hit 12 games on Tuesday after blowing a 5-3 lead to the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field, marking their worst April skid since 1962 and their longest overall drought since 2002. The franchise record for a losing streak is 17 games, set way back in 1962. But here is the part that should terrify Mets fans: no MLB team has ever made the postseason after suffering a 12-game losing streak during the regular season.

When Everything Falls Apart at Once

The Mets had every reason to feel good. Francisco Lindor smashed a three-run home run in the third inning to give them their first three-run lead in over two weeks. Starting pitcher Nolan McLean was perfect through five innings. They looked like they were finally turning it around. Then the ninth inning happened and torched all of it.

Closer Devin Williams faced five batters and failed to record a single out. He walked the first two batters, then gave up a bunt single that Mark Vientos' throw to third couldn't handle. With the infield in, Luke Keaschall singled to make it 4-3. After that, with the bases still loaded, Williams walked Matt Wallner to tie the game. The crowd was so desperate for anything positive that when relief pitcher Austin Warren recorded the first out of the ninth inning, they sarcastically chanted "M-V-P." Even worse, they kept the sarcastic chants going with every out.

"I've never been a part of something like this," Williams said after the game. "I think we just need to get the one win out of the way, and I think everything else will take care of itself, but it's obviously proving pretty difficult right now."

Offense Can't Find the Baseline

The Mets recorded just four hits. Over the final five innings, they were completely hitless. Manager Carlos Mendoza shuffled the batting order again with Marcus Semien leading off, but nothing moved the needle. This is becoming a pattern: the Mets have scored three runs or fewer in 10 of their last 12 games. They're 7-16 on the season.

"It sucks," Mendoza said. "It sucks because you're feeling good, especially with the way the game was developing." The Mets made more job changes before the game too. David Peterson is now firmly in the bullpen. More changes are coming. Juan Soto is expected back Wednesday, which means someone else sees less playing time. After three straight poor outings, Williams might get a break from the closer role.

Owner Steve Cohen tried to strike optimism before the game, describing himself as "concerned, but calm and focused." The team even placed a copy of The Coffee Bean, a self-help book about making positive change, in each locker. Mendoza said Cohen has texted him support and compared the current mess to the Mets' struggles in the first half of 2024. But at some point, the only job left to change might be the manager's. The Mets face the Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals next in their nine-game homestand. It's do-or-die time.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.