Mets: A Tyler Mahle trade the Reds cannot refuse to make

This trade between the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds involving Tyler Mahle could benefit both clubs.

Tyler Mahle is one of many pitchers that could be a logical fit for the New York Mets rotation. Before they eventually pulled off a trade for Chris Bassitt in the offseason, he was a candidate to join their rotation for the start of the 2022 season. He remained with the Cincinnati Reds and on Sunday took a no-hitter into the seventh inning.

Performances like this, even without a no-no in the end, should help his trade value. A team like the Mets, that could really use a starting pitcher with minor league options, would be a perfect destination.

What would it take for the two teams to pull off a swap?

A Mets trade for Tyler Mahle the Reds cannot refuse

The Reds aren’t quite rebuilding but trading Mahle would signal another step backward. In this case, we can safely remove anyone with more than a few years of MLB service time from the equation. The Reds will want to replenish the farm system and there are two high-performing players in the minor leagues not rated high in the Mets’ farm system but performing well.

Immediately, Mets fans may balk at this idea. It’s hard to part with prospects playing well.

Jake Mangum is now one level away from the major leagues and tearing up the minor leagues this year. He is ranked as the number 22 prospect in the team’s farm system according to MLB.com. He is a light-hitting outfielder profiling more as a speedy player similar to Travis Jankowski—someone Mets and Reds fans both know. He is also already 26. For the sake of the 2022 season, it might be wise to capitalize on his hot start to 2022 on the farm and help acquire Mahle for some pitching depth.

Vasil is another high-performer beginning to land on the radar of Mets fans. Through his first 11 professional starts, Vasil is 3-1 with a 1.71 ERA. This is over the course of only 42 innings so it’s not exactly the point to start wondering if he is the next Jacob deGrom. Vasil ranks 21st in the club’s system.

Mahle might not be the most exceptional pitcher available out there but with those minor league options and control for another season, he is someone who will remain on the Mets’ radar. New York would be wise to also see if they could possibly acquire another player in this deal—possibly adding a lesser prospect into the deal. A reunion with Brandon Drury for the bench would be welcomed.

The Mets have such a big league in the National League East. They need to take risks and make sure they’re able to win games in the absence of Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer without losing any ground.