3 reasons the Reds should avoid trading for NY Mets starter Justin Verlander

2. Justin Verlander has seen a sharp decline in performance.

Any Reds fans who are calling for first baseman Joey Votto to be benched in favor of infield prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand should be completely against this proposed trade. It's virtually the same concept.

Not to pick on Votto, but at 39 years old, the six-time All-Star has seen a decline in performance. While the power is still there for Votto, the former MVP is hitting below the Mendoza line and Reds Country has seen manager David Bell sit Votto down in favor a pinch hitter on multiple occasions this season.

Justin Verlander is a tremendous talent and had a renaissance performance last season. The right-hander won his third Cy Young Award at the age of 39. Verlander was 18-4 with a 1.75 ERA in 28 starts for the World Champion Houston Astros. Verlander led the league with 220 ERA+.

But this season, the numbers just haven't been there. Verlander is 5-5 with a 3.24 ERA and just 76 punch outs in 89 innings of work. While the former MVP has been brilliant of late, you just have to question the sustainability of Verlander over the long haul.

According to Baseball Savant, Justin Verlander's velocity is down and so is his strikeout-rate. Unfortunately, his walk-rate is up. Verlander walked just 29 batters a year ago, but has already issued 30 free passes this season.