'The team that insulted and hurled abusive language over a mistake' is in freefall again → Despite being the second-highest paid, they have now lost 11 straight games

*This content was translated by AI.

Ahead of this season, the New York Mets, who had climbed to the second-highest total salary in Major League Baseball and were hailed as a "star-studded team," have effectively degenerated into a dysfunctional household, continuing an endless slide. Following last season's collapse, which was triggered by internal revelations that players hurled abusive language at teammates during games and insulted one another, the team's performance this season has also failed to rebound. They have now suffered 11 consecutive losses.

On the 20th (Korean time), the New York Mets played an away game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA, in the "2026 Major League" and lost 1-2 after an extra-inning battle. They held a 1-0 lead through the eighth inning but allowed an equalizer in the bottom of the ninth, ultimately suffering a walk-off defeat in the 10th inning in one of the worst performances of the season.

With this loss, the Mets fell into a 11-game losing streak after losing 2-7 to the Arizona Diamondbacks on the 9th. This marks the longest losing streak in franchise history since 2004, a span of 22 years. With a season record of 7 wins and 15 losses (a winning percentage of 0.318), the Mets share the lowest standing in all of Major League Baseball this season alongside the Kansas City Royals. Finishing last in the National League East is only to be expected.

The prevailing analysis is that the Mets' slump was predictable. A November report by the New York Post last year laid bare the grim reality within the Mets without any sugarcoating. According to the report, infielders Francisco Lindor (32) and Jeff McNeil (33), who were supposed to be the team's pillars, have been embroiled in serious conflicts, including hurling abusive language and insulting each other in public whenever a mistake occurred during games. Ultimately, McNeil was traded to the Athletics ahead of this season.

In a team culture that criticizes rather than supports teammates, player cohesion has become a distant dream. With Juan Soto (28), known as "the man worth 1 trillion won," sidelined due to a calf strain, and Jorge Polanco (33) out with a wrist contusion, criticism is mounting that the team's leaders are still failing to fulfill their roles. Reports also emerged that Lindor is more interested in fashion than baseball. Lindor's performance this season has been limited to a .205 batting average (18 hits in 88 at-bats), one home run, and 10 RBIs in 22 games. His OPS (on-base plus slugging) stands at 0.600.

Since owner Steve Cohen took over, the Mets have recorded astronomical total salaries every year and were consistently ranked as the top championship contender. Even for the 2026 season, the team boasts a glamorous lineup ranked second in total salary across Major League Baseball as of Opening Day, yet their efficiency is at its worst.

Although the Mets failed to reach the 2025 postseason playoffs, manager Carlos Mendoza (46), who survived a potential firing and was retained, now faces scrutiny over his leadership. With the team unable to quell internal discord and break the losing streak, doubts about his suitability as a manager are growing.

After a one-day rest on the 21st, the Mets will return home on the 22nd to face the Minnesota Twins in an attempt to snap their losing streak. It remains to be seen whether they can wash away the humiliation of finishing last in the league and find a turning point, or if they will be forced to abandon the season early amid a vicious cycle of "internal strife" and "defeat."

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*This content was translated by AI.