Here are the pressing questions facing the Mets as the unofficial start of the second half of the season is set to begin Friday:
What do they do before the July 31 trade deadline?
Significant injuries to A.J. Minter, Dedniel Núñez and Max Kranick have left a taxed bullpen even more depleted, so expect some imports there.
They are expected to be in the market for a center fielder, and they still haven’t secured a third baseman, as Mark Vientos and Brett Baty haven’t locked down the spot, although Ronny Mauricio has shown potential. Their lineup requires more consistency beyond Juan Soto and Pete Alonso.
Can their pitching stay healthy?
Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea have generally been outstanding for the Mets when they’ve been healthy enough to play, but both have encountered injuries – as has Frankie Montas – and each is expected to be crucial as the season progresses.
How do they fix Francisco Alvarez?
The young catcher was long expected to be a major part of the team’s future, but his production has continued to plummet.
The Mets became so desperate that they sent him to Triple-A Syracuse, where Alvarez has earned accolades for his improvement and dedication, but they need to see that translate into results in the major leagues.
