As most teams have reached exactly half of the season, and with the trade deadline approaching, many clubs have already decided whether they will be buyers or sellers. The New York Yankees are going to be looking for pitching help, preferably starters, but the New York Mets‘ landscape isn’t so clear.
The Mets have a great offensive core but, because of injuries, ineffectiveness and opt outs, their rotation is very depleted. Jacob deGrom is the only sure thing, as David Peterson and Michael Wacha are working their way back from shoulder inflammation. Steven Matz (9.00 ERA) has pitched poorly, Rick Porcello has been mediocre, and because of that, the Mets have had to use Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo as starters.
Their presence in the rotation has caused the bullpen to be affected, and that’s why the Mets would be wise to explore a deal for the Royals’ Trevor Rosenthal.
The New York Yankees would also be smart to look at the possibility of adding Rosenthal to their bullpen, but we’ll get to that in a minute.
Rosenthal looks rejuvenated with Kansas City, with a 1.46 ERA in 13 games and 12.1 frames. He is striking out people at a high rate (34.7 K%, or 12.41 per each nine innings) while maintaining a very healthy 14.6 swinging strike rate.
Rosenthal is pumping 100 mph fastballs by hitters, complementing them with a very good slider that he throws around 25 percent of the time. Maybe it isn’t quite vintage Rosenthal, the one that had so much success with the St. Louis Cardinals, but it looks very close.
For the Mets, it would make sense as it shouldn’t require a top prospect in return (let’s face it, they have given up plenty of them over the last couple of years.)
The Yankees should look to add him, too
Now, for the Yankees, it’s clear that they have prioritized a “super-bullpen” over the last few years. For the most part, they have been able to have it.
This year, however, they have lost Tommy Kahnle to an elbow injury, and other relievers are, or have been, hurt. Aroldis Chapman just returned from an extended COVID-19-related absence, and Zack Britton is currently on the injured list with a left hamstring strain.
Overall, the Yankees haven’t been a top five bullpen. Look at this:
Best bullpens by FIP:
1. Indians: 2.98
2. Athletics: 3.04
3. Dodgers: 3.12
4. Blue Jays: 3.40
5. White Sox: 3.49
6. Braves: 3.72
7. Rays: 3.77
8. Yankees: 3.79
9. Brewers: 3.89
10. Orioles: 3.95— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) August 26, 2020
Yes, there is competition for Rosenthal’s services, but if the cost remains reasonable, both the Mets and the Yankees have reasons to be interested in Trevor Rosenthal to shore up the bullpen.