Abbey Mastracco details Mets' rough start ahead of series against Cubs

The Rahimi, Harris & Grote Show dives into the New York Mets' rocky start to the 2026 season, highlighted by an eight-game losing streak and a meager 12 runs scored over that span. Guest Abby Mastracco, Mets beat writer for the New York Daily News, breaks down the team’s offensive struggles, emphasizing that the issues go beyond the absence of Juan Soto and reflect a broader breakdown in swing decisions across the lineup. She notes that fans, already predisposed to disappointment, are now panicking, with calls for managerial changes despite the team’s high payroll. Mastracco also discusses the pressure on starter Kodai Senga, the defensive contributions of Luis Robert Jr., and the void left by departed stars like Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo. With the Mets facing the Cubs at Wrigley Field, the conversation turns to the NL East race, where Atlanta stands out as the only clearly competitive team, while the rest of the division remains uncertain. Mastracco suggests mid-May as a key benchmark for evaluating the season, cautioning against premature panic while acknowledging the Mets’ history of dramatic turnarounds. The hosts engage in lighthearted banter about social media rebrands, with a humorous dig at Elon Musk’s rebranding of Twitter to X, and a playful exchange about the term 'butte' as a nickname for a fan or crew member. The segment ends with a mix of studio camaraderie and a nod to the upcoming game, underscoring the show’s blend of sports analysis and behind-the-scenes humor. Despite the Mets’ struggles, Mastracco remains cautiously optimistic, echoing the team’s unpredictable nature—where 'weird' outcomes, both good and bad, are always possible.