The New York Mets' midsummer swoon continued on Thursday night, losing to the lowly Washington Nationals, 9-3. It is just the latest setback for the Mets, who have suddenly gone from National League East contenders to wild-card hopefuls.

They are now only seven games over .500 at 67-60. That is a far cry from where they were just over a month ago. New York has dropped 16 of their last 21 games and is now just a half-game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds for the final wild card spot.

Following the game, Mets superstar Juan Soto was asked his thoughts on the team's playoff chances.

“100% since day one, we believe in each other and believe we can make it to the playoffs,” Soto said bluntly.

That is a pretty stock answer, and was to be expected. He certainly was not going to say they didn't believe in themselves. But if the Mets continue playing like they have the last month, it would be one of the bigger collapses in franchise history.

New York entered the 2025 season with World Series aspirations, particularly after poaching Soto from the New York Yankees. Midway through the season, they looked like maybe the best team in baseball. Since that time, injuries and poor pitching have plagued them.

But even the future Hall of Famer has not lived up to expectation this season.

Following a career in the Bronx last year, Soto is hitting just .247 and is on pace for the most strikeouts of his career. He leads the team in home runs (31) and runs scored (90), but considering what the Mets paid him, is not producing at the heights needed to compete at the highest level.

New York heads to Atlanta for a three-game set against the Braves, starting Friday night.

More New York Mets News
New York Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea (59) throws to the Washington Nationals during the second inning at Nationals Park.
Mets’ Sean Manaea puzzled by worrying trend that showed up vs. NationalsAbdullah Imran ·
New York Mets infielder Francisco Lindor (12) runs to first after hitting an RBI double against the Seattle Mariners in the fifth inning at Journey Bank Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field
Mets’ Francisco Lindor breaks team record with HR vs. NationalsZachary Howell ·
New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo (9) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at Citi Field.
Mets’ Brandon Nimmo makes ‘chronic’ confession about injury that will impact him rest of careerGerard Angelo Samillano ·
New York Mets outfielder Juan Soto (22) smiles while rounding the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Washington Nationals during the seventh inning at Nationals Park.
Donovan Mitchell’s Juan Soto admission leaves Mets SS Francisco Lindor laughingBrayden Haena ·
New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo (9) walks in the sixth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during game three of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Citi Field.
Mets’ Brandon Nimmo breaks silence on why he took himself out of Nationals gameJedd Pagaduan ·
New York Mets pitcher Brandon Sproat (91) pitches against the Houston Astros at Clover Park.
Is Mets’ ace prospect getting called up after dominating?Josh Davis ·