Mets should take advantage of these struggling teams at the trade deadline

The Mets should engage in trade talks with the Cleveland Guardians to bolster their pitching staff

It's no secret that the Mets could use some help in the pitching department. If they choose to upgrade that during free agency, the Guardians should be high on their priority list at the deadline.

Cleveland's pitching has been great all season, with a 3.86 ERA and a bullpen ERA of 3.12 that's 2nd best in the MLB. While they have limped to a sub .500 record, the state of the AL Central means they're just a few games back of a divison title, so they will most likely be looking to compete.

The Guardians are another team that could use some of the Mets position players for a playoff push. With a lack of power in the outfield and the Josh Bell contract yielding negative results, Tommy Pham or Mark Canha would be an upgrade to this team for the remainder of the season.

In return, the Mets could look to improve their pitching staff, whether that is in the form of prospects or immediate help. Shane Bieber would be the ultimate prize here for the Mets, although it remains doubtful that Cleveland would trade him. Instead, going after some of the smaller options in the bullpen. While he might command a higher price than the Mets are willing to offer, reliever Trevor Stephan has a 2.78 ERA and is under contract through the next four seasons.

The Guardians aren't expected to do much at the deadline, but the Mets should be the first to swoop in should that change. Whether its a big package for Bieber or just something around the margins, these two teams both need exactly what the other is offering.