Mets drop series to CJ Abrams, Nationals for third-worst 31-game start in franchise history

The New York Mets have been in a downward spiral to begin their 2026 campaign. On Thursday, CJ Abrams and the Washington Nationals kicked the Mets when they were down.

Abrams’ go-ahead eight inning home run ultimately secured a 5-4 win for the Nationals. It also led to the Mets’ third-worst start in franchise history, via Bob Nightengale of USA Today.

“The Mets, who lose 5-4 to the Nationals, have the third-worst record (10-21) after their first 31 games in franchise history,” Nightengale wrote. “Their only worse starts were in 1981 (8-23) and 1964 (9-22).”

CJ Abrams gives the @Nationals the lead right back with a 2-run homer! pic.twitter.com/K1DD9TCUj7

— MLB (@MLB) April 30, 2026

The Mets got out to a 3-0 deficit after the third inning. However, a a three-run MJ Melendez home run and Mark Vientos double gave New York a 4-3 lead after six. They held that lead until the eighth inning, when Abrams would steal the victory with his two-run blast.

New York’s loss marked their fourth in their last five games. They have now lost two straight series after getting swept by the Colorado Rockies. The Mets will look to turn things around when their three-game set against the Los Angeles Angels begins on Friday.

However, things haven’t been pretty in the batter’s box or on the mound. Through their first 31 games, New York ranks second-worst with 106 runs scored. On the flip side, the Mets rank 15th in ERA with a mark of 4.17.

The franchise has one of the highest payrolls in baseball and is built to win now. There is still time to turn things around. But the Mets look like anything but a World Series contender right now. Their turnaround will need to occur sooner rather than later.

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