3 Starting Pitchers Mets Must Target on Trade Market Following Max Scherzer Injury Update

The NL East-leading New York Mets received some terrible news on Thursday when it was revealed that starting pitcher Max Scherzer would miss six to eight weeks with an oblique strain.

Max Scherzer Injury Update

With both him and Jacob deGrom sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Mets are in a tough position. Strong pitching has led to a lot of their success this season (3.35 ERA, No. 6), leaving New York needing to turn to the trade market to find a starting pitcher that can help until deGrom and Scherzer are back.

Here's a look at three starting pitchers that the Mets must target on the trade market following Scherzer's injury update.

New York Mets Trade Rumors

1. Luis Castillo, Cincinnati Reds

Cincinnati Reds have been nothing short of a disaster this season, leading to veteran righty Luis Castillo's name popping up in trade rumors. Even though he's had a slow start to the season (0-2, 5.59 ERA in two starts), it's important to remember that he's playing for the MLB's worst team. Besides, Castillo has been solid throughout his career with a 3.74 ERA and 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. He's also finished with a sub-4.00 ERA in four of his five previous seasons. A change in scenery could get him back on track, which shouldn't be an issue since playing for the Mets would be a major upgrade over the Reds. `

2. Wade Miley, Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are heading in the wrong direction and will be one team likely selling big at the trade deadline. Chicago's poor performance on the field should mean anyone is up for grabs, including veteran starting pitcher Wade Miley. This is more of a stopgap situation instead of acquiring someone who can help down the road, but on the cheaper and more realistic sides of things. The veteran lefty is pitching to a 2.70 ERA across 10.0 innings pitched and two starts this year, and he hits unrestricted free agency next offseason. New York can pounce on him earlier for a cheaper price by not waiting until closer to the trade deadline.

3. Brad Keller, Kansas City Royals

Although the Kansas City Royals haven't been great this season, Brad Keller still managed to look solid on the mound. Despite being 1-3, the 26-year-old righty leads all Royals starters with a 2.89 ERA. He isn't a strikeout pitcher, but the .217 BA he's held opposing batters to is more than respectable. Keller is an attractive option because he's also under arbitration in 2023 as well, which is a bonus for the Mets. Assuming that New York can offer the right price, Keller is absolutely someone that the club should be calling Kansas City about.

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