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Nolan McLean #26 of the New York Mets delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Citi Field on April 21, 2026 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The New York Mets saw their losing streak hit 12 games on Tuesday evening, just when it looked like they might finally snap it.

An early three-run homer from Francisco Lindor gave starter Nolan McLean some run support, but the Mets couldn’t muster any more offense after Lindor’s long ball, stranding eight runners and smacking just four hits.

McLean ultimately allowed three earned before Devin Williams eventually came in for the ninth and blew the lead, with the Mets losing 5-3. McLean spoke after the defeat and made it clear that every player in the New York clubhouse is doing everything they can to break out of this slump.

“Nobody’s feeling it more than us players,” McLean said. “Guys are showing up early, getting their work in. Everybody’s working their butts off. So it stings to go out there and not be able to get it done.”

McLean certainly kept his team in the game, tossing 6.2 innings and also striking out 10.

New York Mets’ Playoff Hopes Quickly Vanishing

GettyCarlos Mendoza #64 of the New York Mets looks on during a pre-game ceremony to honor Jackie Robinson before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on April 15, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

The Mets looked decent to start the season, going 7-4. But, since then, it’s been all downhill. Their offense ranks are dead last in runs, 24th in average, 30th in slugging, and 30th in OBP. We’re talking about a lineup with the likes of Bo Bichette, Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco, and Marcus Semien. Juan Soto is set to return on Wednesday from the IL, and hopefully, he can give them a spark. Soto was batting .355 before going on the shelf.

Nevertheless, the odds are very much stacked against New York. No team in MLB history has ever made the playoffs after having a 12-game losing skid that same season. Sure, it’s only April 22, but the Mets also play in one of the toughest divisions in baseball, and they’re already 8.5 games out of first place.

When Will The Talent Show Up?

Getty Bo Bichette #19 of the New York Mets connects for his fourth inning single against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field on April 08, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)

The Mets were certainly active in free agency, as usual. They signed Bichette to a massive deal after he solidified himself as one of the best hitters in the sport during his time with the Toronto Blue Jays. Yet, with NY, Bichette has hit just .219 so far, striking out 23 times in 23 games. He’s a player who often makes contact. Bichette isn’t the same superstar that he was in Toronto. Not yet, at least.

Lindor, Semien, Luis Robert, and Polanco are all hitting below .230. The only consistent offensive piece was Soto, but that was a small sample size of eight games. On the mound, Freddy Peralta, Williams, and Luke Weaver came in this winter with the hopes they’d dominate like in the past.

Williams has an atrocious 9.95 ERA. Weaver’s ERA sits at 6.23. Peralta, a former Cy Young candidate, has compiled a 4.05 ERA.

Maybe it’s the Mets’ curse. Spend all the money, but get no results. The only reality right now is that even with one of the most expensive rosters in baseball, New York cannot find their footing in 2026.

And if they don’t turn things around in a hurry, this season could be another lost one for a franchise with serious World Series aspirations.