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

With the New York Mets continuing to sit in the thick of the playoff race in the National League, many are beginning to wonder what kind of reinforcements Billy Eppler and Steve Cohen will bring in at the trade deadline.

While there are several teams who will be selling off at the Trade Deadline in order to get younger, one of the most clear-cut sellers is the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds got off to a historically bad start this season, and have several veterans who will be involved in trade discussions at the Deadline, each of whom the Mets should inquire about.

NY Mets Trade Target: Tyler Mahle

It's no secret that the Mets could use some help in their starting rotation. The group has been one of the team's biggest strengths this year, but as has been the case for years with the Mets, the team has struggled to keep this group healthy. Thus far, Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer and Tylor Megill are all hurt, and the team has already seen Taijuan Walker get hurt and return.

While the team has some depth internally, they could use some more reinforcements in case more injuries arise or the timetables of their current injuries get worse. One player who the Mets have been oft-linked to has been Tyler Mahle of the Reds.

Mahle had a career year last season with the Reds, registering a 3.75 ERA with 210 strikeouts in 180 innings and 33 starts, according to Baseball Reference. The 27-year old has not seen the same success this year, as he has struggled at times, but has shown flashes of being the same pitcher the Reds had last season.

What type of return he brings back for the Reds remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, he will be a popular name in trade talks. Many teams could use starting pitching help, the Mets included, and the more teams that are interested, the higher his price will be.

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.