The New York Mets added another Trevor on Monday, but it was not Bauer. The sidearming Trevor Hildenberger joins the team on a minor league deal. He rejoins former teammate Trevor May and former coach Jeremy Hefner with whom he spent time within Minnesota.
Check out the sweet glove flip from Trevor Hildenberger! #MNTwins pic.twitter.com/ik64mHFuP2
— Twins Highlights (@TwinsHighlights) September 14, 2017
Hildenberger spent all of 2020 in the Boston Red Sox alternate site, and all three of his big league seasons came in 2017-19 with the Minnesota Twins. His rookie season in 2017 was his best one, where he had a 3.21 ERA in 37 games. He had an impeccable 1.3 BB/9 and 0.9 HR/9, which led to a 7.33 SO/W.
Hildenberger had a 6.35 ERA in the following two seasons and saw his walk and home run rates rise. Hildenberger had his FIP rise from 3.01 in 2017 to 4.81 in 2019. It was clear he was becoming more hittable as the years went on and had to attempt to reinvent himself elsewhere.
On to the Big Apple
Hildenberger relies heavily on his changeup, which is his most reliable pitch. Due to his lack of velocity, his sinker has never been a useful pitch and has an average of over .300 against it. His slider has mixed success but usually has the movement of a curveball. Despite having a sidearm delivery, right-handers still hit 30 points better against him for his career.
The signing is a good low-risk move since Hildenberger has past major league success. Working with Hefner should put him back on the right track as well. His track to the major league roster is a long one but having quality depth for the bullpen is a good move.