Mets Trade Rumors: Reds’ Alexis Diaz Being Tracked by NY Scouts Ahead of MLB Deadline

The New York Mets have been without star closer Edwin Diaz while he recovers from a torn patellar tendon in his right knee, but they reportedly are interested in bringing in his younger brother to fill his role in the interim.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that “Mets scouts have been tracking” Cincinnati Reds closer Alexis Diaz for a potential trade.

The younger Diaz is 14-for-14 in save opportunities in his first year as Cincinnati’s full-time closer. He’s made 25 appearances and has a 2-1 record with a 1.48 ERA, a 0.82 WHIP and 46 strikeouts in 24.1 innings pitched. Opponents are hitting just .111 off of him, and he’s allowed just 11 walks.

Landing Diaz in a trade won’t come easy, however, as Heyman stated that acquiring him “would take a haul of prospects.” While the Mets have a deep farm system, Heyman noted that they “like to keep prospects.” Still, it’s clear that some changes are needed.

New York is 30-32 and riding a five-game losing streak into Thursday’s game against the Atlanta Braves. The team ranks 23rd in MLB with a collective ERA of 4.61, and its bullpen has a record of 9-11 and ranks 20th with a 4.17 ERA.

In addition to needing to add depth to their bullpen, the Mets must look to address an offense that has averaged just 2.8 runs during this five-game skid. To make matters worse, star first baseman Pete Alonso had to return to New York for further testing on his left wrist after being hit by a pitch in Wednesday’s loss to the Braves.

The Mets are hoping to contend for a spot in the World Series this year, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them make an aggressive move to try to improve their roster prior to this season’s trade deadline.