5 Mets roster questions to answer before the August 1 trade deadline

5) NY Mets roster question: What can be prepared for next season?

Aside from getting Ronny Mauricio some major league at-bats, there are a few items the Mets can prepare for next season. Something to consider is going with a six-man rotation. If they’re going to make a run at Shohei Ohtani, we mine as well see how the pitchers returning next season can handle the extra day of rest. Kodai Senga already prefers this schedule.

The six-man rotation through the end of the year, even if it’s not an idea they’re completely married to, would allow for another look at David Peterson, Tylor Megill, and maybe even Joey Lucchesi in the rotation. Those three remain a big mystery. In particular, Lucchesi has become a complete afterthought in the organization.

Once a team sells pieces at the trade deadline the focus is entirely on the following season. This involves every facet of the organization. Roster management, in-game decisions, and a focus on what’s next is what those final weeks become all about. For the 2023 Mets, it should include getting players like Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil back on track. Rest the ones who have been playing through injuries. Who else thinks there’s a couple of those?

The question: What actions will be taken to prepare for next season?

The answer: Everything. Try everything. Think outside of the box. Don’t waste a single at-bat on a player who isn’t in the plans for 2024.