NY Mets reportedly inquired about trading for Reds reliever Alexis Diaz at deadline

With the 2022 season almost in the books, the hot stove season isn't too far away. But it appears as though the New York Mets were in talks with the Cincinnati Reds about bolstering their bullpen prior to the 2022 trade deadline.

These latest Reds rumors come courtesy of MLB Insider Andy Martino of SNY who is reporting that sources claim the Mets contacted the Reds this past summer about a trade for Cincinnati reliever Alexis Diaz.

Diaz's older brother, Edwin, was the Mets closer this past season and is among the best relief pitchers in the game. Perhaps a one-two combination of Diaz-to-Diaz in the back of the New York bullpen was worth a call to Cincinnati's GM Nick Krall.

Latest Reds rumors claim Alexis Diaz was a trade target of the NY Mets.

These latest Reds rumors make perfect sense for the New York Mets, but the idea is laughable from Cincinnati's perspective. Alexis Diaz proved to be David Bell's best reliever in 2022, and while the life of a relief pitcher can be fleeting, with five years of team control remaining, one has to believe that the Cincinnati Reds would part company with the younger Diaz.

From where the New York Mets are sitting, adding Alexis Diaz would accomplish two things. First, it would add some additional firepower to the backend of the bullpen. Second, with Edwin Diaz slated for free agency this offseason, acquiring his younger brother would likely help retain the services of one of the game's best closers.

After getting bounced in the Wild Card round of the 2022 postseason by the San Diego Padres, Steve Cohen will be looking to restock the Mets' talent pool, and the affluent owner seems to have no limit to the amount of money he'll spend to make it happen.

Don't be shocked if the New York Mets come calling again this winter. But Reds fans can take a deep breath. Most likely, Cincinnati will hang on to their budding star. But if the Reds do get sucked in to trade talks, one has to expect that the price tag for Alexis Diaz will be quite steep.