With all of the current talk being of the New York Mets looking at making a trade for a center fielder, the team’s most glaring need continues to go unfulfilled.
Kristie Ackert of the NY Daily News was asked in her “Mets Mailbag” about the chance of General Manager, Sandy Alderson, making a legitimate run at acquiring Chicago White Sox closer, David Robertson.
It is no secret that the Metropolitans current closer, Jeurys Familia, could be facing a significant suspension next season. This obviously leaves a glaring hole in the team’s bullpen. Addison Reed is sure to fill in as needed in that closing role, but an addition of Robertson’s ilk could be just what this team needs to dominate in 2017.
Robertson, 31, has been a steady reliever in his nine-year MLB career. He has pitched to an overall ERA of 2.97 to go along with a WHIP of 1.20. Last season, Robertson appeared in 62 games, accumulating 37 saves while pitching to an ERA of 3.47 with a WHIP of 1.36.
He may not be as dominant as he once was but he has already shown his ability to pitch in New York. Robertson spent the first seven years of his career with the boys from the Bronx before joining the White Sox in 2015. He had his best seasons while a member of the Yankees.
The Chicago White Sox are a team who has openly stated their willingness to deal some of their stars as they look to rebuild. It is unknown what exactly they may be looking for in exchange for Robertson, but it is sure to include one of the Mets’ better prospects not named Amed Rosario to obtain the reliever.
Robertson has two years left on his current deal. He will make $12 million in 2017 and $13 million in 2018 before hitting the open market once again. If the Mets are willing to pick up a majority of the money left on that contract, it would surely bring the price down in terms of players needed to trade for the relief pitcher.
Alderson knows the team is in need of another reliever that can be used in the late innings of games, and as the big names come off the board one by one, Robertson looks more attractive by the day.
