The 10 Worst Plays of the Mets' Current Losing Streak

The 10 Worst Plays of the Mets' Current Losing Streak

It seems like an eternity since the Mets have been in a real doozy of a race for the NL East title. On June 16, the Phillies beat the Marlins 5-2 while the Mets were idle, cutting New York’s lead in the division to two games. From that day until Tuesday, August 5, the division lead swung back and forth, but neither team could forge an advantage of more than two games.

The rivalry between the Mets and Phillies is one of familiarity breeding contempt. Both teams have large, loud, and very easy to provoke fan bases, which makes for some intense matchups. But despite their geographic proximity and similar rosters, the two teams seem to be going in opposite directions right now. The Phillies are on a 7-1 tear, while the Mets have lost seven games in a row (and counting).

We've compiled a list of the 10 worst plays that have contributed to the Mets' current losing streak. These pivotal moments show just how quickly things can turn sour for this team.

  • August 3, one out in the top of the third, Rafael Devers homers off Frankie Montas with runners on first and second (WPA: -0.25)
  • August 4, nobody out in the top of the 10th, David Fry grounds into a fielder’s choice off Ryan Helsley with runners on first and second and the game tied 5-5 (WPA: -0.28)
  • August 4, nobody out in the bottom of the fifth, Brice Turang hits a home run off Kodai Senga with a runner on first and the Mets leading 2-0 (WPA: -0.23)
  • August 5, two out in the top of the seventh, Steven Kwan singles off Tyler Rogers with runners on first and second and the game tied 2-2 (WPA: -0.22)
  • August 6, nobody out in the bottom of the eighth, Joey Ortiz singles off Ryan Helsley with runners on first and second and the Mets ahead 6-5 (WPA: -0.31)
  • August 10, two out in the bottom of the ninth, Isaac Collins homers off Edwin Díaz with the bases empty and the game tied 6-6 (WPA: -0.36)
  • August 8, nobody out in the bottom of the fifth, Brice Turang hits a home run off Kodai Senga with a runner on first and the Mets leading 2-0 (WPA: -0.23)
  • August 5, two out in the top of the seventh, Steven Kwan singles off Tyler Rogers with runners on first and second and the game tied 2-2 (WPA: -0.22)
  • August 3, one out in the top of the third, Rafael Devers homers off Frankie Montas with runners on first and second (WPA: -0.25)
  • August 10, nobody out in the bottom of the eighth, Joey Ortiz singles off Ryan Helsley with runners on first and second and the Mets ahead 6-5 (WPA: -0.31)

The Mets' bullpen has been a major contributor to their struggles. Reed Garrett gave up a home run to Contreras to cut the lead to one, while Ryan Helsley played with his food in the eighth inning against the tying run in scoring position.

Almost all of the extreme negative plays on this list came when the Mets were on defense. But from the moment Manaea left Sunday's game, the Mets have gone 0-for-12 with two walks, and neither of those baserunners advanced to second base. It's clear that this team is struggling in high-leverage situations.

So what does it portend for the rest of the season? Will the Mets be able to turn their losing streak around, or will they continue to slide towards Armageddon on the Jersey Turnpike?