Given the impressive campaign New York Mets left-hander Jon Niese has put together this season, there are rumblings that the 25-year-old could become a trade chip this winter, reports Andy McCullough of The New Jersey Star-Ledger:

Throughout the industry, opposing clubs have taken notice — which makes Niese an intriguing figure in what could be a tumultuous offseason for the Mets. Baseball officials outside the organization believe Niese could elicit a quality return on the trade market.

One executive told McCullough that teams "would be interested in (Niese) because he’s a starter who some people see as a No. 3." The unnamed exec went on to say that some around the league view Niese "a little bit like where they saw Gio Gonzalez last year."

The Oakland Athletics traded Gonzalez to the Washington Nationals this offseason in exchange for prospects A.J. Cole, Tommy Milone, Derek Norris and Brad Peacock.

Another executive said the Mets could expect at least "two or three prospects" in any trade involving Niese. Beyond Gonzalez, other execs tossed out Trevor Cahill comparisons, noting that New York could expect at least one "good piece" in return for their lefty.

On the season, Niese has maintained an ERA of 3.55 over twenty-six starts. Over five seasons at the major league level, he owns a career ERA of 4.13 with 7.6 SO/9 and 2.8 BB/9.

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Should the Mets trade Jon Niese?

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