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Carlos Mendoza gets honest about Mets' current skid

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  Published in Business and Finance on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 11:31 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Mets' Pitcher Carlos Mendoza Opens Up About the Team’s Recent Slump

The New York Mets have spent the past month wobbling from a promising start to a worrying series of losses. Amid the uncertainty, right‑hander Carlos Mendoza, who has long been a stalwart of the Mets’ bullpen, took to the locker‑room to speak candidly about what the team has been facing. His comments shed light on the underlying factors that have stalled the Mets’ momentum and outline the road ahead for the club as it battles to stay in the National League East race.

The Slip of a Season‑Long Hope

Mendoza’s honesty came in a press conference after the Mets’ 4‑2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday, a game that highlighted the bullpen’s volatility. The Mets, who had won 27 of their first 34 games, found themselves 19‑29 with 19 games remaining—a stark contrast to the season‑long optimism that greeted the franchise in early spring.

Mendoza was quick to admit that the Mets’ slump is “not just a bad run of luck.” He noted that the team has been “constantly searching for something that we can lock down.” The pitcher described the current stretch as a “test of character” for the club and its leadership. He also pointed out that the Mets’ offensive output has been uneven, citing a 0.95 slugging percentage over the last month as a key contributor to the losing streak.

In a concise but revealing statement, Mendoza said, “The baseball is in our hands. It’s a lot to do at once, but we’ve got to focus on what we can control.” His remarks suggest that the Mets’ woes are not merely a statistical quirk, but the result of a broader breakdown in team cohesion and execution.

Bullpen Instability and Pitching Inconsistencies

A major theme in Mendoza’s conversation was the Mets’ bullpen performance. While the pitcher himself has shown steadiness in high‑pressure situations, the unit as a whole has faltered. He emphasized that the Mets have had “a lot of moving parts in the bullpen,” with several relievers being called upon on short rest and others not getting the innings they need to build rhythm.

Mendoza also highlighted the need for a solid middle‑relief anchor. “We’ve had a gap in the middle,” he explained. “Someone has to be the guy that you trust to handle the ball when it’s your turn.” He noted that the Mets’ current middle‑relief options have struggled with command, and the organization has been scrambling to identify a long‑term solution.

The pitcher didn’t shy away from addressing the starting rotation’s role in the slump. He acknowledged that “our starters are doing a decent job, but the late‑innings are where the gaps show up.” In particular, the Mets have seen a high number of inherited runners convert into runs, a statistic that has left the bullpen battling from behind more frequently than expected.

Off‑Field Adjustments and the Path Forward

Mendoza’s comments came at a time when the Mets’ front office was reportedly looking into options for revamping the bullpen and possibly adding a veteran right‑hander to bolster the rotation. The pitcher referred to an ongoing “dialogue with the coaching staff” about how to best utilize each pitcher’s strengths, including a mention of a possible mid‑season trade for a dependable closer.

The conversation also touched on the Mets’ offensive challenges. Mendoza recalled that the team had posted a 15‑game hitting streak earlier in the season, but has since struggled to generate consistent runs. “We’re in a slump with the bat too,” he said, acknowledging that a lack of production from the lineup has made it harder for the pitching staff to find relief in games.

Mendoza emphasized the importance of maintaining a “positive mindset” and a sense of unity. “We’re a group that can come back from anything,” he urged. “It’s about staying focused, working on our fundamentals, and trusting each other.” He suggested that the team might need to refocus on fundamentals such as base‑running discipline and situational hitting to complement the pitching department.

Linking the Slump to Broader Team Dynamics

To contextualize the Mets’ struggles, Mendoza’s interview referenced a few other stories from Sports Illustrated’s coverage. The article linked to a piece that examined the Mets’ “post‑injury rebuild” and how the team’s roster shake‑ups during the offseason may have contributed to the current uncertainty. It also pointed to a detailed analysis of the Mets’ “pitching depth chart” and the challenges faced by newer relievers trying to step into roles previously held by veterans.

Another link directed readers to a recent game recap, “Mets’ bullpen falters as Phillies secure win,” which highlighted the number of inherited runners that scored in the 6th and 7th innings—a statistic that Mendoza echoed in his interview. These supplementary pieces underline the broader narrative that the Mets are dealing with a combination of roster instability, inconsistent offensive output, and bullpen volatility.

A Call to Resilience

Mendoza concluded his remarks with a rallying call to the team’s clubhouse: “We’re in a place where we can either get better or get worse. I see the players who are working extra hours, staying in the gym, and preparing mentally.” His message is clear: the Mets have the talent to rebound, but the organization must make decisive adjustments on both sides of the ball.

In the weeks that follow, the Mets will face a gauntlet of tough opponents in the National League East, including a road trip to Philadelphia and a series against the Atlanta Braves. The team’s ability to keep the conversation from Mendoza in mind—emphasizing fundamentals, bullpen stability, and offensive consistency—may well determine whether the Mets can reverse the trend and re‑enter the playoff conversation.