Mets Narrowly Lead NL Wild Card Race Amid Late-Season Struggles

The New York Mets are clinging to the final National League wild card spot as they approach the last stretch of the 2025 regular season, holding a slim lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. Despite a recent eight-game losing streak and inconsistent play, the Mets remain ahead largely due to the mediocrity of their competitors. Their recent series wins have mostly come against strong playoff contenders, but they face challenges in beating teams lower in the standings, such as the Washington Nationals and Miami Marlins, which could prove crucial. The Mets' pitching has struggled at times, including a pivotal loss to the San Diego Padres highlighted by a grand slam from Manny Machado, but key players like Juan Soto continue to contribute offensively. The team’s remaining schedule includes tough matchups, including final games against the Padres, Cubs, and spoiler teams like the Marlins, making every game critical for maintaining their playoff position. Mets management and players emphasize the need for daily wins to secure a postseason berth amid the tight race and significant pressure.