The New York Mets suffered their 12th consecutive loss Tuesday, matching their worst performance in 24 years and effectively eliminating playoff hopes. Superstitious fans point to socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s visit to the team as the turning point in their catastrophic slide.

Historic Collapse Continues Despite Early Leads

The Mets fell 5-3 to the Minnesota Twins despite holding a three-run lead and watching pitcher Nolan McLean deliver five perfect innings. Francisco Lindor hit a three-run homer in the third inning, but the team failed to record a single hit over the final five frames. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed frustration after the loss. “It sucks because you’re feeling good, especially with the way the game was developing,” he said. At 7-16, the Mets now share the worst record in Major League Baseball.

Devon Williams acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the collapse. “I’ve never been a part of something like this,” Williams stated. “I think we just need to get the one win out of the way, and I think everything else will take care of itself, but it’s obviously proving pretty difficult right now.” The team’s struggles intensified when they failed to maintain momentum despite multiple opportunities. ESPN reporter Jeff Passan noted the severity of the situation, describing the team’s performance as beyond ugly.

The Mamdani Connection

While the losing streak technically began April 7, the Mets have lost 11 of 12 games since Mamdani embraced team mascots Mr. and Mrs. Met on April 9. The socialist mayor’s visit has become a focal point for fans seeking explanations for the team’s historic decline. Some have dubbed the phenomenon the “Curse of the Mambino,” drawing parallels to infamous sports curses. Juan Soto’s expected return offers a glimmer of hope for the struggling franchise.

Playoff Hopes Effectively Eliminated

No Major League Baseball team has ever reached the postseason after enduring a 12-game losing streak, according to CBS Sports. The Mets entered the season with high expectations for contention and possibly a division title. Those aspirations now appear distant as the team sits tied for baseball’s worst record. While April losses leave time for recovery, historical precedent suggests the damage may already be irreparable. The team’s expansion-era struggles pale in comparison to this collapse, which defies all preseason projections and statistical models for the franchise’s 2026 campaign.