Let’s face it, the Mets need real help.

No matter how high their payroll is ($340 million at last count), and how many stars they possess (many), they aren’t getting to the World Series as currently constituted.

They might not even make the playoffs.

Don’t miss Mike Puma’s text messages from Queens and beyond — he’s giving Sports+ subscribers the inside buzz on the Mets.

The boy band known as the Cincinnati Reds still could beat them out of a postseason spot the way things are going. Only 1 ½ games separate the smallest market from the biggest for the final wild card, and the Mets’ easier closing schedule provides little solace since they often play down to the level of their opponent.