{
  "id": 9888965,
  "title": "High-spending Mets assured of first last-place finish since 2003 with 7-6 loss to Nationals",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/high-spending-mets-assured-of-first-last-place-finish-since-2003-with-9888965",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-26T02:08:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/baseball/2026/09/25/high-spending-mets-assured-of-first-last-place-finish-since-2003-with-7-6-loss-to-nationals"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The New York Mets, known for their high spending, have been confirmed to finish last in their division for the first time since 2003. This loss to the Washington Nationals 7-6 on Friday night was sealed by Josiah Gray's first major league save in over two years, marking his first home appearance since April 2024. The Mets' payroll of $358.4 million began the season, but the team has been last in the NL East for seven consecutive seasons since the 2019 World Series win. Dylan Crews hit a homer for the Nationals, who sit at 76-84 and are guaranteed fourth place. Carson Benge also homered for the Mets, becoming the first rookie in team history to achieve 20 homers and 20 steals in a single season. Josiah Gray's performance in his return to Nationals Park was crucial, handling Juan Soto's ninth-inning walk before grounding out Bichette. Gus Varland and Jonathan Pintaro were the other pitchers for the Mets, with Gus having a 2-2 record and Jonathan a 2-3 record. The Mets now face the Nationals again on Saturday, with Gus Tong set to start.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "High-spending Mets assured of first last-place finish since 2003 with 7-6 loss to Nationals",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/high-spending-mets-assured-of-first-last-place-finish-since-2003-with",
        "published": "2026-09-26T02:08:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}