Outrageous Reds asking price for Alexis Diaz is too risky for the Mets

Since Edwin Diaz's injury, the New York Mets have been open to any arena including the trade market. In this sense, Sugar Diaz's brother, Alexis, closer for the Cincinnati Reds, could be available but according to a report by John Heyman in the NY Post, his value could be high.

The apparent value to obtaining the services of the other Diaz would include a combination of catcher Kevin Parada and outfielder Alex Ramirez or, failing that, one by one for Francisco Alvarez due to the need for catchers that the Reds have. Alexis Diaz is 26 years old and controllable until the age of 30.

Mets rumors: Billy Eppler shouldn't agree to a price even close to what the Reds are asking

Kevin Parada is the number 36 prospect in all of baseball and Alex Ramirez is number 96. Both are highly regarded top prospects and are part of the top five top prospects in the Mets farm system.

Parada is an offensive first catcher selected number eleven overall in the 2022 draft. Ramirez is recognized as an outfielder with the potential to have all five tools and was selected as the number 26 overall pick in the 2019 international draft out of the Dominican Republic.

Alexis Diaz is a young, controllable, high-potential pitcher. Last year he finished top 5 in the National League Rookie of the Year voting and his stuff has characteristics similar to his brother's, 96 mph fastball and good slider with less movement and speed than Edwin.

His stuff can continue to improve, chiefly if he works on his control, which is his main weakness, but this asking price for a player like him is absurd. The reliever position is the most volatile on the market, and every year new and fresh options appear on teams thanks to the dedication of player development departments.

A package that suggests two top 100 prospects like the Reds are asking for should never be paid for by a type of player like this. Above all when Steve Cohen's policy has been to guarantee a sustainable farm system while investing money to be competitive.

Alexis Diaz is a great pitcher who can reach a very high level in MLB. It would be great to have a pitcher like Alexis along with Edwin, an electrifying duo, but he is not worth this price.

The Mets can feel comfortable looking the other way. David Robertson Adam Ottavino, Brooks Raley, and even Drew Smith can carry the bullpen and if necessary other options will appear at the trade deadline, there is no need for urgency at this time.