New York Mets Should be Interested in These All-Star Pitchers at Trade Deadline

The New York Mets could stand to upgrade their pitching staff and should have interest in these names ahead of the trade deadline.

The New York Mets are hot as of late, having won five games in a row to pull to 25-23 on the season and five games back of the Atlanta Braves in the National League East.

But since the start of Spring Training, the Mets' pitching staff has dealt with a slew of injuries, which is why they could stand to be in the market for an arm or two ahead of the trade deadline. 

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the following names could become available in the next few months. 

Starting pitcher Lucas Giolito is an All-Star hurler, who is on the final year of his deal. The Chicago White Sox have gotten off to an abysmal 19-29 start, and if their losing persists, there's a strong chance they deal Giolito. 

The Mets have Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander atop their rotation, but they lack a true No. 3 starter. Kodai Senga is still adjusting to the big-leagues, Jose Quintana (rib surgery) is expected back this summer and Carlos Carrasco just returned from the injured list. The Mets have also been forced to turn to Tylor Megill and David Peterson to take the mound in meaningful starts. New York could use another starter, and acquiring Giolito would give them three-headed monster with Scherzer and Verlander.

Another starter they could go after, who Bowden believes will be available, is left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez. The southpaw has a 2.06 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in nine starts this season. Rodriguez also has an opt-out clause in his contract, which he will likely exercise after the season. The Detroit Tigers are in rebuild mode and their lefty starter could be their best asset at the deadline. 

But what about bullpen help? 

Despite losing elite closer Edwin Diaz for the year, the Mets' bullpen has been rock solid this season. Thanks to David Robertson (1.27 ERA and nine saves in 19 appearances), the Mets have avoided a disaster after losing Diaz. That said, New York could stand to add another late-inning arm to the back of their bullpen. 

One pitcher that Bowden mentioned, who will likely be available, is a familiar name: Aroldis Chapman. 

Although things didn't end well during his tenure with the New York Yankees, Chapman has looked rejuvenated with the Kansas City Royals. His fastball velocity is back to averaging 99.5 mph and his sinker is 101.5 mph. Overall, Chapman has a 3.24 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 16.2 innings.

Chapman is pitching on a one-year deal and will likely be a cheap option at the trade deadline. He has experience pitching in New York, and if the price is right, he could fit in the back end of the Mets' bullpen. 

READ MORE:

- Justin Verlander Says ‘F--K ESPN’ During Francisco Lindor Interview

- MLB Insider Speaks on Showalter's Job Security With Mets

- Marte Blasts Go-Ahead Home Run for Mets

Follow Pat Ragazzo on Twitter (@ragazzoreport), be sure to bookmark Inside The Mets and check back daily for news, analysis and more.