This is hardly the stretch run the Mets were expecting when they opened the season with one of the highest payrolls in the game and among the loftiest expectations. 

But here we are, with 10 games left on their home schedule as they open a series against the Giants on Friday night at Citi Field. 

And as Juan Soto said Thursday, he hopes the team’s goal is to “finish strong.” 

“We’re not finished yet,” Soto said. “We’re not done yet. Who knows what can happen?” 

At various points of the year, that might have sounded like a threat, as the Mets hit different low points along the way. 

And while they remain in last place in the NL East and are certainly a team that will go down as one of the most disappointing in franchise history, they’ve at least been less of an embarrassment of late. 

As Soto said, the team hopes to “finish strong and carry that into October or next season.” 

Since the Mets won’t even make it to the end of September, let alone next month’s playoffs, perhaps it’s best to look at what the organization can try to learn over the final weeks of the regular season. 

How will the outfield look? 

Carson Benge has established himself as a solid player on both sides of the ball, getting more comfortable at the plate and, as a former pitcher, already showing off one of the best outfield arms in the game. 

Since Luis Robert Jr. was claimed off waivers by Baltimore, the Mets have gone with three different left fielders in three games: Christopher Morel, Brett Baty and another rookie, Nick Morabito, who picked up his first major league hits and RBIs off the bench in Wednesday’s win at Tampa Bay. 

Perhaps the most crucial question as the Mets look to the future is which player is A.J. Ewing? 

Is he the player that sparked the offense with an .805 OPS over his first 55 games or the one who’s been among the least productive hitters in the sport since July 11, with a .494 OPS that’s the second-lowest among qualified hitters? 

Soto, who took part in a baseball clinic for athletes from the Police Athletic League and was sponsored by Under Armour at City Line Park in Brooklyn on Thursday, said he “100 percent” wants to get back in left field before the end of the season as he manages the strained left calf that sidelined him last month. 

Soto turns 28 next month and had never appeared in fewer than 150 games in a full season outside of his rookie year with the Nationals, when he was called up in May. 

He’s so far played in just 89 games this lost season and has already acknowledged he needs to adjust how he trains going forward. 

Starting up 

In the three-game series against the also-disappointing Giants, the Mets are scheduled to start three promising young pitchers, with Nolan McLean going Friday, lefty Zac Thornton on Saturday and Christian Scott on Sunday. 

McLean is making a late push for NL Rookie of the Year, although Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart is considered the favorite, with Benge also potentially in the mix. 

McLean has been one of the best pitchers in the majors in the second half, with an ERA of 1.76 in his past 11 starts. 

And as The Post’s Mike Puma reported this week, another young pitcher, Jonah Tong, could get a start in Miami next week. He has yet to find success in the majors, but pitched well in seven of his past eight starts at Triple-A Syracuse and allowed just a pair of runs in his past four outings, over 21 ¹/₃ innings. 

What a relief! 

After the Mets shipped off many of their quality relievers at the trade deadline, they’ve seen more out of inexperienced arms like Nate Lavender, who hasn’t allowed a run in 12 appearances. And is Kodai Senga closing really going to continue? His performance this month — and willingness to stay in the role moving forward — could play a part in the decision. 

Last chance? 

While Luis Torrens continues to impress — both offensively and defensively — Francisco Alvarez is back in an ugly slump, just 5-for-51 with a pair of doubles, four walks and 29 strikeouts in his past 16 games. 

Brett Baty has not fared well in a utility role, and Mark Vientos’ future with the organization is in doubt after another rough season. 

The Mets claimed right-hander Cameron Weston from the Orioles and optioned him to Triple-A Syracuse. The 26-year-old has made one appearance in the majors, tossing an inning for Baltimore in May. He spent most of this season with Triple-A Norfolk, where he’s been mostly ineffective. To make room on the 40-man roster, catcher Shawn Ross was designated for assignment. Ross was picked up off waivers from the Pirates last month.