With the Mets in free fall, the Reds should target this former pitcher at the MLB trade deadline

The fanbase has argued back-and-forth about whether or not the Cincinnati Reds should make a few trade deadline moves.

Many have advocated that the pitching must be improved; both the starting rotation and the bullpen. Others have argued that the Reds need not panic, save their prospects, and let the win-loss record fall where it may.

A healthy Reds starting rotation consists of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, Graham Ashcraft, and Brandon Williamson. There isn't much room for a long-term addition there. Still, are however, still holes in the Reds bullpen that need patched before the deadline.

Acquiring Brooks Raley from the NY Mets would fill the Reds biggest bullpen need

The Cincinnati Reds should discuss a trade with the free-falling New York Mets and attempt to reunite with former pitcher Brooks Raley. The 35-year-old is having a solid 2023 season and would help fill one of the biggest areas of concern in the Cincinnati bullpen; another left-hander.

The Reds have several lefties on the 40-man roster (Andrew Abbott, Brandon Williamson, and Reiver Sanmartin), but feature one southpaw in their bullpen (Alex Young). With some of the best hitters in the game hitting from the left side, it would behoove the Reds to add another lefty or two to the team's bullpen.

The former Reds reliever owns a 2.30 ERA and a 1.213 WHIP with 34 punch outs in just over 30 innings of work. The Mets, who have one of the highest payrolls in all of baseball, will likely be looking to unload players and restock the farm system at the trade deadline.

Raley has a team-option for next year, and his contract status is actually controllable through the 2025 season. Rather than riding out the rest of the 2023 season with Raley wasting away in the bullpen, the Mets could find value by trading the left-hander before August 1st's deadline.

With the Cincinnati Reds lineup all but solidified for a stretch run, general manager Nick Krall should focus on adding talent to the team's pitching staff. Swinging a trade for New York Mets reliever Brooks Raley would be a good start.