The problems continue to mount for the Mets, who cut right-hander Jacob deGrom from his last scheduled start against the San Diego Pades. Although manager Terry Collins said the decision was a matter of weather and not physicality, fans should be at least a little concerned.

After all, the club that was supposed to compete with Washington for the NL East championship currently sits 7 1/2 games behind first. Even more distressing for fans is the fact that the Mets are six games under .500, a disappointing record for a club that won the pennant in 2015 and made the playoffs last season.

Some pundits suggest New York should give up the 2017 season, as the Mets have already lost key players to injuries. All-Star slugger Yoenis Cespides is currently on the disabled list, as are starter Noah Syndergaard and veteran third baseman David Wright.

Baseball columnist Tom Gatto of sportsnews.com recommended that the Mets give playing time to their top prospects, who will speed up the rebuilding process. Among those who should move up from the minor leagues, according to Gatto, are third baseman Amed Rosario, first baseman Dominic Smith, second baseman Gavin Cecchini and outfielder Brandon Nimmo.

In order for these youngsters to get playing time, the Mets need to trade some of their veteran regulars. Several of their former All-Stars are in the final year of their contracts, making it easier for them to deal with teams that need to bolster their rosters to have a shot at the postseason.

There are three players in particular that New York will likely trade to clear the way for its top prospects, starting with infielder Jose Reyes. He has really struggled this year, but he could certainly help a young, contending team with his versatility and experience.

Outfielder Jay Bruce has shown the power that has been a hallmark of his career and is eligible for free agency after the season. Many contenders would be delighted to add his left-handed power without financial obligation beyond the 2017 season.

Another All-Star outfielder, Curtis Granderson, has a contract that expires at the end of the 2017 season. He doesn’t offer as much power as Bruce, but he would provide much more agility and better defense for interested contenders.

Much of the season remains, and the Mets will have several players coming back from the disabled list in June. They’ve had good stretches in the second half of the past two years, but the hole they’ve dug after the first two months may be too deep to overcome in 2017. New York may be better off preparing for the future.