3 surprise trade candidates the Reds could deal during the 2022-23 offseason

3. Reds RHP Alexis Diaz could surprisingly be traded during the offseason.

The rumors are already out there. The New York Mets were said to be in the market for Alexis Diaz at this summer's trade deadline. Mets' owner Steve Cohen was rebuffed, however, and the Reds decided against trading their best reliever to the Big Apple.

Make no mistake, the asking price for a reliever like Diaz would be astronomical. Diaz is under team control for five more seasons and won't even reach his arbitration window until after the 2024 season.

But, do the Reds really need a top-flight closer if the team has no intention of even competing for a division crown until the 2024 or even 2025 season?

Diaz's numbers were fantastic in 2022, but as baseball fans know all too well, relievers tend to have plenty of ups and downs. The Cincinnati faithful saw that with Amir Garrett, and even Mets fans have seen the same with Alexis' older brother Edwin.

After being traded from the Seattle Mariners prior to the 2019 season, Diaz was viewed as one of the best closers in the game. However, his first season with the New York Mets saw Diaz post 5.59 ERA and blow seven saves.

It seems very far-fetched to think that Cincinnati would trade Alexis Diaz, as the right-hander has the opportunity to be part of the next contending Reds team. But don't be shocked to hear Diaz's name come up in trade discussions this offseason. While it would be quite surprising to see the Reds deal Diaz, fans know that this front office is capable of almost anything.