Mets' losing streak hit 9 games after loss to Cubs

The New York Mets’ struggles are starting to reach a historic level, as the team picked up its ninth straight loss on Friday, falling 12-4 to the Chicago Cubs. The loss brings New York to a 7-13 record.

It’s the Mets’ longest losing streak since 2004, when the team dropped 11 straight games on the way to a 71-91 season. The Mets have the most expensive roster in baseball, with a $352 million payroll.

Chicago pulled ahead early on Friday, going up 4-0 in the first inning after designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros sent a three-run homer into the netting.

Though the Mets pulled back in the second inning, the Cubs kept tacking on more runs in the win. Chicago then iced the win with an Ian Happ two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to take a 12-4 lead.

And as a cherry on top, the Cubs closed out the game with a double play in the top of the ninth.

The Mets came into this season with high expectations riding on their expensive roster. After a series of trades and free agency losses, New York picked up multiple high-level acquisitions to build up a new-look roster for Opening Day.

The season started relatively well, but took a turn last week. The Mets’ streak started with two losses to the Arizona Diamondbacks, before getting swept by the Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Part of the team’s struggles seem to stem from the absence of Juan Soto, who has . Soto’s league-leading $61.9 million salary this season is a big reason for the Mets’ hefty payroll.