QUEENS, N.Y. — The New York Mets revamped their bullpen Wednesday, acquiring relief pitchers Tyler Rogers from the San Francisco Giants and Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals in separate trades. The moves aim to fortify a relief corps plagued by injuries and inconsistency as the Mets chase a National League East title.
In the first trade, the Mets landed Rogers, a 34-year-old submariner enjoying a career-best season. Rogers boasts a 1.80 ERA across 53 appearances, tied for the most in the majors. His unique low-arm delivery induces weak contact, with a 64.4% groundball rate and elite metrics in average exit velocity and hard-hit rate. The Mets sent right-hander José Buttó, outfield prospect Drew Gilbert, and pitching prospect Blade Tidwell to San Francisco. Buttó, a 27-year-old reliever with a 3.64 ERA, was expendable due to his lack of minor-league options. Gilbert, a center fielder, and Tidwell, a 2022 second-round pick, represent high-upside prospects but remain unproven at higher levels. Rogers, a pending free agent, provides immediate stability as a setup man for closer Edwin Díaz.
Hours later, the Mets struck again, acquiring Helsley, a 31-year-old flamethrower and two-time All-Star. Helsley, the 2024 National League saves leader with 49, brings a 99.3 mph fastball and a devastating slider. Despite a 3.00 ERA this season, down from his 2.04 mark last year, he remains a high-leverage force with 21 saves in 26 chances. A toe injury earlier this year hampered his mechanics, but recent outings show a return to form. The Mets parted with infield prospect Jesus Baez, and pitchers Nate Dohm and Frank Elissalt. Baez, a 20-year-old with power potential, hit .242 with 10 homers in High-A. Dohm, a 2022 third-rounder, and Elissalt, a 19th-round pick, offer pitching depth but lack top-tier prospect status. Like Rogers, Helsley is a free agent after the season, making him a rental for New York’s playoff push.
The trades address a glaring need. Since June 1, the Mets’ bullpen ranked 25th in ERA at 4.87 and 28th in win probability added. Injuries to relievers A.J. Minter, Danny Young, Max Kranick, and Dedniel Núñez forced manager Carlos Mendoza to overwork his remaining arms. Rogers and Helsley join recent acquisition Gregory Soto, giving Mendoza versatile options to bridge games to Díaz. The Mets, holding a half-game lead over Philadelphia in the NL East, aim to counter the Phillies’ addition of closer Jhoan Duran.
Fans on social media buzzed with excitement, praising president of baseball operations David Stearns for aggressive moves without sacrificing top prospects. Some expressed concern over the cost for rentals, but the consensus leaned toward optimism for a fortified bullpen. The Mets remain active in the market, eyeing offensive upgrades before Thursday’s 6 p.m. trade deadline.
Steve Cohen is a cookin’
