Mets rumors: New York scouts 2 trade targets after Max Scherzer injury

The New York Mets could make a trade shortly after an injury to starting pitcher Max Scherzer. They sent scouts to check on Tyler Mahle and Frankie Montas.

While the Mets have plenty of room between themselves and the second-place Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies (eight games, to be exact), New York’s pitching woes aren’t going anywhere.

By the looks of things, the Mets front office is not content with an approach to stay afloat while awaiting the arrival of deGrom and/or Scherzer from off the injured list. This is all despite an impressive series win against the Rockies this past weekend.

New York wants to use the tools at their disposal, which includes an intriguing farm system and a trade market full of starting pitching. With that in mind, the Mets sent scouts to check out starts from Mahle and Montas, specifically.

Mets trade rumors: Frankie Montas, Tyler Mahle in play

Montas would be the more attractive fit for New York, and also the more expensive. In a contract year, Montas would still cost the Mets some farm system capital, as he’s just 29 years old and 2-4 with a 3.55 ERA on the year. Despite a recent injury blip, Montas appears to be okay from a line drive back to the mound which hit his hand.

“Luckily it didn’t hit me hard enough to break any bones,” said Montas. That sounds promising.

As for Mahle, he’d come on the cheaper side, and would fill the stop-gap role for now. On the season, his 2-4 record with a 5.23 ERA is far less attractive than Montas, but he remains under team control through 2023, and is just 27 years old.

New York would have plenty of competition for both pitchers, should they choose to act on it.