​The New York Mets don’t have much to play for in the standings, but that doesn’t mean the second half of their season isn’t significant. The Mets still have questions to answer and goals to accomplish, to the point where it would be foolish to assume that the rest of the season isn’t unimportant, especially since owner Steve Cohen has said he’s “extremely worried” about 2027.Tim Britton of The Athletic tried to answer some of the questions and delineate the goals, so let’s see what he has in mind for the second half.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Trade Report The Mets will be playing trade ball in parallel with baseball, and it’s safe to say there will be a lot more interest on the former. According to Britton, the Mets won’t trade for need when they put their chips on the table. They’ll simply be looking for the best prospects available, which makes sense given their current record.The list of players who could be moved is becoming more well known with each passing week. Freddy Peralta, A.J. Minter and Brooks Raley are the pitchers who are almost certain to go, and outfielder Tyrone Taylor will be a free agent at the end of the season. Starter Clay Holmes could also be moved, as he has a player option he’ll almost certainly decline.Pitching Staff ChangesWith Peralta and possibly Holmes on the way out, young starters Zach Thornton and Jonah Tong will probably get a longer look once roster space gets cleared.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere’s always an open seat or two available on the Syracuse shuttle, so expect plenty of movement. The names Britton mentioned as possible options include Joey Gerber, Jonathan Pintaro, Dylan Ross and perhaps Dedniel Nunez. Expect plenty of waiver wire pickups to get an audition as well, as the Mets are ideally positioned to give several some run.Veteran Facing Questions This is probably the most significant category going forward. Shortstop Francisco Lindor needs to rebound in a big way, especially after booting a double-play ground ball that sent the Mets into the All-Star break on a sour note.Jorge Polanco and Marcus Semien also have plenty to prove. Polanco is finally back in the lineup after being injured for nearly the entire first half, but he’s still limited to hitting due to his Achilles tendon issues. Marcus Semien should be back soon as he returns from his hip flexor strain, and he needs to proved that the injury was part of what limited him offensively in the first half.