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.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.Mo Baller ... nothing but net 😏 pic.twitter.com/a5cLaj0VTE— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2026Though 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.Ian Happ makes it TWELVE runs for the @Cubs! pic.twitter.com/HBaosjiluF— MLB (@MLB) April 17, 2026The Mets’ streak started last week with two losses to the Arizona Diamondbacks, before getting swept by the Athletics and the Los Angeles Dodgers.New York will have two more games against the Cubs before returning home for a series against the Minnesota Twins.This story will be updated.