​After a few days off for the All-Star break, the New York Mets must resume what has been a miserable season. Entering the start of the second half schedule Thursday against rivals the Philadelphia Phillies, the team owns the fourth-worst record in MLB at 40-57.There is no reason to expect a miraculous turnaround over the final two and a half months of the season. That is why the Mets must be sellers before the Aug. 3 trade deadline. However, that isn’t the only thing they should prioritize in the months ahead.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWe take a look at eight moves and goals the Mets must have during the second half of a lost season.IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectClay Holmes fell apart during the second half of his return to being a starter in 2025. He has been out since mid-May after breaking his fibula in a game against his old team, the New York Yankees. However, there is no denying he was a borderline All-Star during the first half of last year and was even better in 2026 until he got hurt.Holmes has shown that President David Stearns was right to convert him to being a starter. And that is why he is likely to opt out of the final year of his contract and test free agency this winter. Stearns and the front office should aim to avoid that and try to lock him up to a new multi-year deal. The price will be key, but having Holmes back in 2027 improves the Mets’ chances of a bounce-back season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThe Mets have a serious problem with the Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto dynamic. Rumors continue to point to a poor relationship between the team’s top stars, a year and a half into being teammates. That’s why New York should let it be known that they are open to hearing trade offers for the five-time All-Star.They don’t have to move him before Aug. 3. They can just find out what his value is and circle back in the winter if there is a 2027 season. If they get a great offer, then move him and the $160 million he is owed. If not, prioritize finding a new manager who can bring the two talented stars together next season.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectSpeaking of potential future managers, Stearns and the front office should begin their search for Carlos Mendoza’s replacement. Especially since interim manager Andy Green is giving no reason to believe he will get the full-time job after this season. One name that should be at the top of their candidate list is St. Louis Cardinals icon Albert Pujols.The Los Angeles Angels’ special assistant was impressive as skipper of the Dominican Republic team during the World Baseball Classic and is viewed as a future manager in MLB. Furthermore, he reportedly wants the Mets job and developed a good relationship with Soto during the WBC.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThere was a time when catcher Francisco Alvarez was not just the best prospect in the