Despite a difficult series loss to the last-place Washington Nationals, Juan Soto remains unwavering in his belief that the New York Mets can still secure a playoff spot. In a Thursday postgame interview following the Mets’ 9-3 defeat, Soto addressed questions about the team’s postseason chances as the regular season enters its critical final stretch with fewer than 40 games remaining.
When asked about the Mets’ playoff hopes, Soto replied plainly,
“100% since day one, we believe in each other and believe we can make it to the playoffs.”
Recent Series Loss Highlights Mets’ Challenges in the Standings
The recent series against Washington was a missed opportunity for the Mets, who needed wins to maintain strong positioning in the National League East. After dropping two of three games, New York now trails the division-leading Philadelphia Phillies by seven games, marking a season-high deficit. At the same time, the Mets hold just a slim half-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds for the third and final wild card berth.
New York’s sharp decline is underscored by their recent record: since completing a seven-game winning streak that included a sweep of the San Francisco Giants in late July, the Mets have slumped to 5-16. This stretched slump has threatened their foothold in the playoff race and altered the outlook for the team’s prospects.
Soto on the Team’s Urgency and Focus Moving Forward
Soto acknowledged the urgency surrounding the Mets’ situation but stressed the importance of focusing on the present.
“It ain’t late but it ain’t early either,”
he stated when asked about the timing in the season.
“We don’t have to be focused on what is going to happen in the future or what happened in the past; we got to focus on what we can do today.”
Pitching and Offense Struggles Hamper Mets’ Progress
Thursday’s loss exemplified the ongoing difficulties facing the Mets. Sean Manaea, making his third consecutive start, failed to extend deep into the game, lasting only 4.2 innings while surrendering an early 3-0 lead. The bullpen, once considered a strength of the team following recent trade deadline acquisitions, could not contain the Nationals’ offense. Meanwhile, New York’s bats went quiet against what is statistically the weakest bullpen in Major League Baseball, contributing to their disappointing defeat.
Upcoming Schedule Poses Difficult Test for Mets
As September approaches, the Mets face a daunting stretch in their schedule, with matchups against six teams holding winning records—all battling for playoff spots. The next several weeks will be crucial for New York to demonstrate they belong in October baseball. While Soto continues to have faith in the team’s ability to compete, tangible results on the field will be essential, particularly in games against underperforming teams like Washington where victories are expected.
Significance of Mets’ Remaining Games for Playoff Outlook
The Mets’ fading playoff hopes hinge on their ability to reverse recent trends and capitalize on remaining opportunities against strong competition. Juan Soto’s belief in his team’s potential offers a measure of hope, but the pressure is mounting for consistent performances. How the Mets manage the toughest part of their schedule could define their postseason fate, highlighting the importance of every at-bat, every inning pitched, and every game won during this pivotal phase.