Former Cy Young winner believes Yankees and Mets could be trade partners ahead of deadline

Despite boasting the highest payroll in baseball history, the New York Mets are among the worst teams in the National League at 36-44. With change likely on the horizon as the MLB trade deadline approaches, former Cy Young Award winner David Cone believes the Mets could make a deal with an unlikely partner. 

Appearing on "The Dan Patrick Show" Thursday, Cone said he wouldn't be surprised to see the Mets and New York Yankees strike a trade ahead of this year's August 1 deadline. 

"Steve Cohen, the owner of the Mets, doesn't care where the trades come from," Cone said. "He doesn't have this sort of mentality - this anti-Yankee mentality - he's a businessman. So, the days of the Wilpons owning the Mets and not trading with the Yankees are kind of over in my mind. There could be a match there."

Cone also mentioned the connection between Mets general manager Billy Eppler and the Yankees, with Eppler having previously worked alongside senior vice president and GM Brian Cashman as assistant GM.

Regarding possible trade targets, Cone believes a few Mets veterans, such as outfielder Starling Marte, could interest the Yankees. 

Cohen addressed the Mets' struggles in a press conference earlier this week, stressing that the 2023 campaign isn't over while admitting that if improvements don't come quickly, the Mets have "decisions" to make at the deadline. However, if changes come, it appears that, for now, manager Buck Showalter is safe, having recently received a vote of confidence from Eppler. 

The Mets' disappointing season could lead to several notable names finding a change of address soon, including Cy Young Award winners Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Whether or not the Mets will pull the trigger in a month's time is still up for debate.