New York Mets trade David Robertson off to Marlins for two minor-league rookies

The New York Mets initiated a major roster restructuring process by trading closer David Robertson to the Miami Marlins last Thursday. In exchange for the 38-year-old pitcher, the Mets acquired two promising minor-league rookies.

Robertson’s departure marks the beginning of a reshaping for the Mets. The team had relied on his stellar performance in a struggling bullpen. He recorded a 2.05 ERA over 44 innings, with 48 strikeouts and 14 saves.

“I figured I would be moved, I just didn’t know where,” Robertson said. “Just really didn’t have an idea of where, so it’s kind of a shock, but it’s part of this game.”

The Mets currently hold a 48-54 record, placing them as the fifth-worst team in the NL. With their hopes of making a playoff run fading in recent weeks, they’ve taken action by trading players from their underperforming roster, starting with Robertson.

The Mets acquired 18-year-old middle infielder Marco Vargas and 19-year-old switch-hitting catcher Ronald Hernandez from the trade. Both rookies have impressive performances in this year’s Florida Complex League.

While both players have received positive evaluations, Vargas stands out as a particularly promising prospect. However, it is unlikely that either of them will contribute to the Mets before 2026 at the earliest.

Mets general manager Billy Eppler confirmed that the Robertson trade might be just the first of several more deals for the team. According to Eppler, the Mets are actively considering offers from other clubs.

“We’re just listening, and I think we can gauge signals from other clubs. And if the signals are strong enough, we have to look for opportunities.”

Billy Eppler, New York Mets general manager

The exact number of players they will trade is still uncertain. However, outfielder Tommy Pham will likely be moved. Though less probable, starters Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer are also potential candidates.

However, with a luxury tax payroll exceeding $380 million and an additional tax of over $100 million, the team is bound to undergo significant changes before the trade deadline on August 1 at 6 p.m.

Marlins prioritize bullpen defense

Meanwhile, Marlins general manager Kim Ng also wasted no time improving the team’s bullpen ahead of the trade deadline.

Since they have acquired Robertson, the Marlins will take on the remaining $3.5 million owed to him for this season. This move adds to the team’s recent efforts to strengthen their bullpen, as they acquired relievers Jorge López and José Castillo earlier in the week.

On Friday, Ng emphasized the importance of getting the task executed swiftly. It was crucial for her to expedite the process.

“For me, the bullpen was the highest priority, and making sure that we stabilize and to get it done quickly before – it’s so easy to get cherry-picked during this time,” Ng said. “And like I said, if you see something you really like, and it makes sense, you just do it.”

The Marlins understand the significance of strengthening their bullpen to improve their chance in close and low-scoring games. In the first half of the season, Miami’s relievers excelled with a 3.87 xFIP (ranking third in MLB) and 3.2 WAR (ranking ninth).

However, their performance dipped in the second half, with a 4.29 xFIP (ranking 15th) and a disappointing -0.1 WAR (ranking 24th). Despite struggles after the All-Star break, the Marlins remain half a game away from an NL Wild Card spot, even though they have lost nine out of eleven games.

With the addition of Robertson, he is set to join the team for Saturday’s game against the Tigers at loanDepot Park. Robertson expressed confidence in the Marlins’ talent, recalling their experience with the Phillies last year. The former Mets pitcher said the Marlins got hot at the right time and nearly won the World Series.