Mets trade deadline update: High prices for pitching and spotted scouting Arizona Diamondbacks

The Mets, as you might have noticed, can use starting pitching depth. Like, urgently.

It’s not like the front office is unaware. With stopgaps Jerad Eickhoff and Robert Stock getting assignments this week in Cincinnati, acting GM Zack Scott and his group aren’t waiting until the trade deadline to work the phones in search of upgrades to the middle and back of the rotation.

Problem is, the trade deadline might be waiting for them. The Mets are so far finding asking prices on pitchers to be very high. For a team that does not want to give up notable prospects while seeking pitching and third base help, this has prevented any action so far.

One example of a pitcher who suits the Mets’ needs perfectly but isn’t currently a strong target because of cost is Arizona’s Merrill Kelly. Leading the National League with 20 starts, Kelly is 6-7 with a 4.46 ERA (3.89 FIP). He’s 32 but also under control until 2025.

Other teams who have talked to the Diamondbacks about Kelly say the prospect cost is high.

As for the Mets, a league source said that they scouted the Diamondbacks game at Dodger Stadium on July 11.

Kelly started that day and allowed one run in 5.1 innings, but a person familiar with the Mets’ scouting plans downplayed the connection, saying it was just normal coverage. Indeed, Kelly is just one of many pitchers who fit what the Mets are looking for.

More generally, the Mets clearly understand that the Diamondbacks are an intriguing trade partner. In addition to Kelly, they have the versatile Eduardo Escobar, former Met Asdrubal Cabrera and -- perhaps more appealing now, given Edwin Diaz’s renewed struggles -- closer Joakim Soria.

Adding to those potential fits is the fact that Scott has a Boston Red Sox connection with Mike Hazen and Amiel Sawdaye, the D-Backs’ top two executives.