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The non-waiver trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Teams can still trade players in August, but it must be done through waivers.

The Mets have already traded Jeurys Familia and Asdrubal Cabrera, both of whom are eligible to be free agents this winter. In return, they received three prospects (one third baseman, two relief pitchers) and additional international signing bonus money.

Jerry Blevins, Devin Mesoraco, and Jose Bautista are all candidates to be dealt before the deadline given that they too will soon be eligible for free agency.

The Mets are willing to deal Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, according to countless back-and-forth rumors during the past month. However, I still expect both to be here after the deadline.

In regars to deGrom and Syndergaard, teams most eager to acquire an elite arm have been the Dodgers, Yankees, Padres, Phillies and Braves, all of whom have the necessary prospects and young hitters to tempt the Mets.

I've been hearing for a week that all of the above teams are well aware of the extreme asking price for both aces. And, while I do think Mets ownership and the front office would agree to the right deal, I just can't see how any team gets up to where the Mets want them to be this summer.

Nevertheless, it's always possible one of the above teams become antsy and desperate.

On the other hand, "Zack Wheeler is a hot commodity," an NL assistant GM told me yesterday, which is why multiple national reporters continue to believe he'll be dealt later today.

Contrary to the above, however, SNY's Andy Martino reported Monday that the Mets have been underwhelmed by offers for Wheeler, who has a 2.56 ERA during his last six starts.

The Braves, Giants, Dodgers, Cardinals, Pirates, Braves, and Brewers are among the teams reportedly seeking a mid-rotation starting pitcher, such as Wheeler.

The Yankees may also be in this market, despite acquiring J.A. Happ (Blue Jays) earlier this week and trading for Lance Lynn (Twins) Monday night.

In return for Wheeler, Martino's sources have said the Mets can expect to get back another team's top 10 prospect. I've heard something similar, but believe the Mets specifically want to net a young, controllable hitter (be it a prospect or someone already in the big leagues) who is capable of starting for them next season. If that price isn't met, I think it's very possible the Mets keep Wheeler and let their next GM decide how best to proceed with him this winter.

In addition to Wheeler, the remaining trade market for starting pitchers includes Matt Harvey (Reds), Mike Fiers (Tigers), Dan Straily (Marlins), and possibly Chris Archer, who Tampa reporters continue to insist will not get dealt until this winter.

The Mets should also be working to deal Blevins, who is a free agent at the end of this season. Blevins, who's had an up-and-down season, is due roughly $3 million through the rest of this season. If dealt, expect a small return, such as one or two lower-level prospects, cash or international signing money.

The Cubs, Red Sox, Astros, Indians, Yankees, Dodgers and Brewers are among the reported teams all looking to add to their bullpen.
The Mets have also seen interest in Mesoraco. He is hitting just .229, but with seven home runs, in the 50 games since being acquired by the Mets in May for Harvey.

He is due to earn $3 million through the rest of this season, after which he'll be a free agent, which is why he probably won't bring back much in trade.

Given his stats and salary, my hunch has always been that Mesoraco is more likely to get dealt through waivers in August than before Tuesday's deadline. However, Martino and other local reporters have recently stated the opposite.

The only teams seemingly hot for a catcher, though, are the Brewers and Nationals. If that's the case, the Mets may decide it's best to market Mesoraco in August in case another team's catcher implodes or gets injured.

Lastly, and surprisingly, there is reportedly a market for Jose Bautista, who is hitting .233 with 6 HR since joining the Mets in late May after being released by the Braves. He's hit surprisingly well, while playing third base, left and right field. Also, Bautista, 37, is only being paid the league minimum salary and due less than $200,000 the rest of the year.

In addition to Bautista, teams looking for outfielders are said to also be considering Curtis Granderson (Jays), Carlos Gomez (Rays) and Cameron Maybin (Marlins), all of whom are still due more than $1 million this season.

The Indians, Yankees and Phillies are each looking for a right-handed hitting outfielder, who reportedly doesn't need to be an elite player.

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