5 bold predictions for the Mets at the trade deadline

3) The New York Mets will trade pitcher Carlos Carrasco to the Cincinnati Reds.

Sure, Carlos Carrasco has had a rough season, for sure. He is 2-3 with a 5.94 ERA in 11 starts this season. But that doesn't mean there is a team with starting pitching help couldn't use him. The Cincinnati Reds are just that team. And here's why.

The Reds have been decimated by injuries in the pitching front and four of their five current starting pitchers (Graham Ashcroft, Levi Stoudt, Brandon Williamson, and Andrew Abbott) under the age of 26. They have Hunter Greene and Ben Lively on the injured list and the Reds need a veteran to balance out the rotation. The Reds wouldn't have to give up much in the deal because Carrasco's value isn't high enough to warrant a good prospect return for the Mets.

For Carrasco, he could use a change of scenery from the Mets, as his tenure in Flushing has been one of inconsistency. He missed the first four months of 2021 due to a bone spur issue, then had a good 2022 season where he won 15 games, and then this year his walks are up and strikeouts are down.

Also, the Reds are in a position to make the playoffs in a full 162-game season for the first time since 2012, and if the Mets aren't going to the playoffs, the team would do him right by sending him to a playoff contender.