Mets trade offers from a Reds fan over at Blog Red Machine to think about

Apr 11, 2019; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A view of a New Era on field Reds hat in the game of the Miami Marlins against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2019; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A view of a New Era on field Reds hat in the game of the Miami Marlins against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cincinnati Reds center fielder Tyler Naquin (12) hits a three-run home run in the first inning during a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Friday, May 21, 2021, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.Milwaukee Brewers At Cincinnati Reds May 21 /

Mets pick up outfielder Tyler Naquin for pitching prospects Jordany Ventura and Michael Otanez

I am not opposed to the Mets giving up their number 21 and 26 ranked prospects in a trade to help the team in 2021. This is what they would be doing if they trade Jordany Ventura and Michael Otanez. It’s tough to know what either will amount to in the big leagues.

We know a little more about Tyler Naquin as he has been a major league for several seasons. The former Cleveland Indians outfielder has found his home run stroke with the Reds this year, already well on pace to set multiple career-highs on offense. Is this because of the ballpark he plays in or the terrific offense around him? If either is the case, the Mets might be buying some fool’s gold.

Naquin was released by the Indians over the winter and didn’t sign with Cincinnati until February. He was rather mediocre in parts of five seasons with Cleveland, never receiving more than the 365 plate appearances he had in his rookie year way back in 2016.

A temporary starter until guys get healthy, Naquin could serve as a possible replacement for Michael Confort if he was to leave for free agency this upcoming offseason. Although a massive downgrade, Naquin could take over as the team’s starting center field and possibly allow Brandon Nimmo to move to right field or even left field depending on whether or not the DH returns.

What I like about this trade is that it improves the Mets immediately and won’t force them to go over the luxury tax. Why does the luxury tax matter with Steve Cohen’s money? It doesn’t, but who likes to pay a penalty?