3 NY Mets trade rumors to squelch before they gain any traction

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Air conditioners are on. Electric bills are going up. Carpenter bees have destroyed parts of your property. Seasonal allergies are making the outdoors a nightmare. It’s also around the time of year when we can start to take some New York Mets trade rumors a little more seriously.

Now into June, the MLB trade deadline is less than two months away from happening. The uncommon June trade is usually much more minor, but by the time we get into July some of the bigger dominoes begin to fall.

Before they do, let’s toss some cold water on these potential Mets trade rumors that are sure to pop up into our heads as nothing more than wishful thinking.

1) NY Mets trade rumors to squelch: Alexis Diaz reunited with his brother

The Cincinnati Reds are not trading Alexis Diaz for anything short of highway robbery. If we look back at the trade which originally brought his brother to the Mets, it was largely Justin Dunn and Jarred Kelenic for Edwin Diaz. The veterans were essentially swapped for Robinson Cano.

Edwin was much more accomplished than Alexis as right now, but also a little closer to free agency. It might not take a player of Kelenic’s caliber to acquire Diaz from the Reds, but it’s not far off. Why would they possibly have to deal one of the rising closers in the game unless the Mets were willing to part with Kevin Parada or Alex Ramirez?

Squelch those dreams of the Diaz Brothers pitching back-to-back in the postseason this year for the Mets. The Reds have no need to trade him. The Mets have far more affordable options to consider.

The Reds actually do have a couple of other intriguing relievers having good years. None are as young or talented as Diaz. One of those names is much more realistic for what the Mets will be willing to pay for.

2) NY Mets trade rumors to squelch: Shohei Ohtani arrives a few months early

The Mets trade rumors involving Shohei Ohtani are dead. It was something to think about last summer. In the offseason, the consideration still existed. Now with the Los Angeles Angels at least playing competent baseball and showing they might stick around to make a fight for a playoff spot, the chances of them trading Ohtani are much slimmer.

More so, Ohtani trade rumors to the Mets simply won’t happen because of how much it would cost to get him. By choosing to keep him, the Angels definitely limited themselves to what they could get back for a rental even if it is one of the greatest starts in the game. The Mets, who could actually use a starting pitcher and DH upgrade, would be a perfect fit. They’re also incredibly shy when it comes to giving up young players. They’re not going to overpay for two months of Ohtani. It’s not what this front office does.

Ohtani will be very much on the Mets’ radar this offseason when he officially becomes a free agent. That’s a whole different debate. Is he worth the $500 million+ many believe he can get?

What’s not up for much debate is finding a match between the Mets and Angels to deal him before the August 1 trade deadline. There’s a chance the Angels collapse and Ohtani is shipped out. If so, it’ll be to a team with a bit more desperation and a few more young players to burn in the deal.

3) NY Mets trade rumors to squelch: Shane Bieber cut loose from Cleveland

Shane Bieber has been a dream trade candidate for Mets fans probably since before Francisco Lindor even arrived in Flushing. The Cleveland Guardians trading him seems inevitable. Considering how they’ve played this year, a trade deadline sale could be in their future.

Bieber has only one more year of control beyond 2023 and the Mets should already have their sights on signing him in free agency. However, it is important to note that any team who does manage to acquire him would probably want to extend him almost immediately. A freshly-turned 28 on May 31, he’s very much at the start of what should be the prime of his career.

One reason why the Guardians should hold onto Bieber this year even if they do end up as trade deadline sellers is how many more teams could look to trade with them this offseason. In fact, the types of offers they’d get might be much better. The trade deadline usually involves buyers and sellers. In the winter months, a trade of Bieber for major league assets who can help the Guardians right now is how they can stay competitive instead of undergoing a rebuild.

The cost to acquire Bieber with a year and a half of control is huge and yet something the Mets need to consider this summer. Will it happen? Not a chance. In the offseason when they can subtract from the major league roster, maybe it can. Whatever they did give up would still sting.

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