Three pressing questions facing Mets ahead of second half

The Post’s Howie Kussoy takes a look at three questions facing the Mets in the second half of the season.Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.
The decision to sell before the trade deadline (Aug.3) has never been easier.
Outside of their biggest stars (Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor) and promising rookies (Carson Benge, A.J.Ewing, Nolan McLean), the Mets could make virtually anyone available to improve their standing in 2027 and beyond.
That includes Luke Weaver, Clay Holmes and Huascar Brazobán.Pending free agents include Freddy Peralta, A.J.
Minter, Brooks Raley and Tyrone Taylor.Amid one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history, the Mets have found glimmers of hope in a crop of youngsters, including Benge, Ewing, McLean, Christian Scott and Zach Thornton.A series of trades could open additional roster spots, creating potential call-up opportunities for starters Jonah Tong and Jack Wenninger, power-hitting first baseman Ryan Clifford and outfielder Nick Morabito, among others.You only have to go back to last season to be reminded that the second half of the season may not look anything like it did before the All-Star break.
Soto could finish with MVP-like numbers.Lindor could bust out after missing 57 games and hitting .216.
Bo Bichette is hitting .315 since June 1.Marcus Semien and Devin Williams have made a combined five All-Star appearances this decade.
Francisco Alvarez, 24, could still get closer to his potential.This projected 2026 contender will be running many of the same faces back next season.
A second-half surge could salvage some optimism from a lost season.July 16, 18-19: at Phillies July 20-22: at Brewers July 24-26: vs.Dodgers July 27-29: vs.
Braves July 30-Aug.2: vs.
Marlins Aug.4-6: at Guardians Aug.
7-9: at Pirates Aug.10-12: at Braves Aug.
14-16: vs.Nationals Aug.
17-19: vs.Padres Aug.
21-23: at White Sox Aug.25-27: vs...