Mets fall 12-4 to Cubs, ninth straight loss marks longest streak since 2004

The New York Mets fell 12-4 to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 17, 2026, extending their losing streak to nine games—the longest since 2004^[2][3][1].

The slump matters because the Mets entered the season with the highest payroll in baseball^[4] yet have failed to translate spending into wins, heightening pressure on manager Carlos Mendoza and front‑office officials^[2]. Fans and analysts alike question whether roster construction or on‑field execution is at fault, and the losing streak threatens to derail any early‑season momentum the club hoped to build.

Historically, the franchise’s nine‑game skid is far from its worst; the Mets lost 17 straight games in 1961^[6] and previously endured eight‑game losing streaks in 2018 and September 2025^[7]. The current run surpasses those eight‑game stretches, marking the longest losing streak since a 71‑91 season in 2004^[5].

Mendoza said the team must “find a way to stop the slide” and focus on fundamentals, emphasizing that every game is an opportunity to reset^[1]. He acknowledged the frustration of seeing a payroll advantage not reflected in the scoreboard and promised adjustments in pitching strategy and lineup consistency.

The defeat also puts the Mets further behind in the National League East, widening the gap to the division leader and complicating any playoff aspirations. Upcoming series against the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies will test whether the club can reverse the trend before the mid‑season trade deadline.

What this means: The nine‑game losing streak underscores a disconnect between financial investment and on‑field performance, a pattern that has historically preceded roster overhauls for the Mets. If the team cannot halt the slide soon, front‑office may consider significant personnel changes to address pitching depth and offensive production, while fans brace for a potentially tumultuous remainder of the season.