Hansel Robles, RHP

Player Data: Age 27, B/T: Right/Right, Free Agency: 2021

2017 Primary Stats: 7-5, 4.92 ERA, 56.2 IP, 29 BB, 1,34 WHIP, 60 K

Grade: D

2017 Review:

Going into the 2017 season, Hansel Robles was seen as a key piece in the Mets’ bullpen. Without their traditional closer, Jeurys Familia, everyone was going to have to step up and help.

Robles started his 2017 season with a bang. He ended the month of April with a 1.84 ERA through 14.2 innings pitched. Many started to believe that he was setting into his role in the bullpen and that he would be a reliable arm for the remainder of the season. 

Unfortunately, May did not go as smoothly as April did. Robles racked up a 15.43 ERA through just seven innings pitched in eight appearances. His lowest point of the month came in a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Robles failed to close out the eighth inning after starting pitcher, Zack Wheeler, went six innings with allowing one earned run. Robles gave up five runs on four hits, two of which left the ballpark.

The rest of the season continued to bring ups and downs for Robles. Some nights he had amazing command on every pitch he threw and seemed like he could get the best hitters out. Other nights he seemed overwhelmed and lost out on the mound. The long ball plagued Robles and he seemed to be losing confidence in himself.

Robles has the potential to be a solid relief pitcher, but his inconsistency continues to hold him back. The one constant in his career has been success against lefties with them hitting only .178/.281/.335 off him in 313 plate appearances. 

Did You Know:

Robles had a 1.11 ERA in 12 starts for the Brooklyn Cyclones in 2012. He was a starter in the Mets system until the second half of the season in 2014.

2018 Outlook:

I don’t really know what to expect from Robles in the 2018 season. With a new manager and pitching coach coming in, Robles’ role in the bullpen does not seem to be clear. Whether he can perform to the best of his ability is the biggest question and most likely will determine his role in the bullpen. After losing Addison Reed and bringing in AJ Ramos, the Mets’ bullpen will be taking on a new shape and who knows if Robles will even be in a Mets uniform once the new season starts.