3 Reds players the Mets should already be scouting for a trade

NY Mets Trade Target: Luis Castillo

Mahle is not the only starting pitching option available for the Mets to trade for. Luis Castillo has also been a name frequently mentioned in trade rumors, and he is a much more tantalizing option, due to his high upside.

The 29-year-old right-hander is a one time All Star, who has struck out as many as 226 batters in a season, according to Baseball Reference. Castillo is a flamethrower, who has elite velocity, and strong movement on his breaking pitches. While he has struggled with control during his career, he has dominant stuff, and has the potential to be a high-end starter for whatever team acquires him.

Castillo was injured for the early portion of this season, but now that he has built up to a typical workload he appears to have returned to form. If he can stay healthy, he can be a true difference maker to add to the front of any contenders rotation.

Due to his upside being higher than Mahle's, and having more success at the Major League level, Castillo might command a bigger return for the Reds. Additionally, with him being two years older than Mahle, the team will be more inclined to trade him, as he fits even less with the team's plans to rebuild. While the asking price for Castillo may be a little too rich for the Mets' liking, they would be foolish not to at least inquire about him and see what the asking price is.

NY Mets Trade Target: Tyler Naquin

While some believe that Mike Moustakas could be a trade candidate for the Mets, it might be more likely that they look into acquiring Tyler Naquin. Naquin is in his walk-year this season, and like nearly every other veteran on the Reds, will likely find himself on the trade block.

While Moustakas is the bigger name, Naquin has actually been much more productive for the Reds, since the two have joined the team, and Naquin is making less money than Moustakas. Last season for the Reds, Naquin hit .270 with career highs in hits, doubles, RBI, and home runs. According to Baseball Reference, he hit 19 home runs and drove in 70 runs last season in his first season with the Reds.

As a 31-year old rental, who has never had more than 411 at-bats in a season, Naquin should not cost a ton to acquire and could be a piece that the Mets use in the outfield when their starters need a day off and can get some bats at designated hitter as well. Naquin is a left-handed bat with some pop and could be a nice compliment to J.D. Davis at designated hitter, if the team packages Dominic Smith in a separate trade to acquire pitching help.

The Mets should not be willing to part with any of their top prospects in a trade with Naquin, but they also shouldn't have to in order to get a trade done for him. If they can give the reds a lower level prospect, they might be able to get a deal done. Or maybe they go for a package involving Naquin and one of the two starters, in exchange for Smith and some prospects.

There are many possibilities the Mets can address in the trade market during this season, but one thing is for sure, they must reach out to the Reds, due to the wide array of players they could be interested in.