What happened: Joel Sherman makes the case that even with the Mets' season trending toward disappointment, the rest of the schedule still matters for how the franchise positions itself going forward. The argument centers on New York extracting value from the remaining months rather than simply playing out the string.

Why it matters: At 35-50 and on a two-game losing streak, the Mets are firmly out of contention and already bracing for a deadline sell-off as the front office weighs which players to keep. How the back half of the year unfolds shapes the roster, the trade returns, and the payroll flexibility that carries into next season.

What to watch: Watch how the front office handles the approaching trade deadline and which veterans get moved as the Mets prioritize the future over the standings.