Mets non-tender candidate could become an intriguing fit for the Reds

Due to the Cincinnati Reds' relatively thin budget, the impending lockout, and the dearth of quality bats on the free agent market, Nick Krall and the front office might find it difficult to adequately reshape a roster in desperate need of an overhaul. As such, the bargain bin, especially when it comes to non-tender candidates, is going to be the organization's best friend this offseason.

In that case, might Mark Vientos of the New York Mets be worth a look? He's certainly on the non-tender radar after suffering through one of his toughest seasons in the big leagues (78 wRC+, -1.1 fWAR). Even with a scant $2.4 million projected salary in 2027 — his first year of arbitration eligiblity— the…