Morning Briefing: Mets Make Big Bullpen Moves Before Deadline

Good morning, Mets fans!

Despite the Mets falling to the San Diego Padres by a score of  5-0 on Wednesday, finishing off a disappointing three-game sweep at the hands of San Diego, that finale took a backseat to their deadline moves. After the game, the Mets would go on a bullpen bonanza, acquiring two high-end relief arms and now putting New York’s bullpen amongst the top of the league.

First of those two arms was submarine pitcher Tyler Rogers, who is pitching to an impressive 1.80 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP in 50 innings this season. The package back to San Francisco for Rogers was José Butto, Blade Tidwell and Drew Gilbert; click here for more on the deal. Then the Mets matched the Phillies’ big addition of Jhoan Duran by acquiring a closer of their own in Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals for a package of three prospects. Helsley is your prototypical flamethrowing four-seam/slider closer who is pitching to a 3.00 ERA this season. For more on this huge addition, click here.

The Mets’ two big splashes on Wednesday leave the back end of their bullpen loaded, adding these two star relievers to a ‘pen containing Edwin Díaz, along with ancillary pieces such as Ryne Stanek, Brooks Raley, and Reed Garrett. Stearns and co. are not done either, as they are reportedly looking to add an outfield bat before the deadline on Thursday.

Latest Mets News

Mets prospect Yunior Amparo was identified as one of the more intriguing prospects from the 2025 Dominican Summer League, per Josh Norris of Baseball America.

Francisco Alvarez left Wednesday’s loss to the Padres after being hit in side of his mask by a check-swing foul ball off the bat of Martin Maldonado.

Latest MLB News

The Detroit Tigers acquired RHP Rafael Montero from the Atlanta Braves in exchange for minor league INF Jim Jarvis.

Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher Shohei Ohtani left his start last night with cramps in his right hip, per David Vassegh of Sportsnet LA. Ohtani is expected to make his next start.

The New York Yankees announced that they acquired outfielder Austin Slater from the Chicago White Sox.

Despite garnering serious interest, the Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to keep starting pitcher Mitch Keller at the deadline, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

The Houston Astros traded for infielder Ramón Urías from the Baltimore Orioles, per Jon Heyman of the NY Post.

Blake Snell will start for the Dodgers on Saturday against the Rays, his first start since April 2, per David Vassegh.

The Cincinnati Reds finalized a three-way trade with the Dodgers and Rays to acquire right-hander Zack Littell from the Tampa Bay Rays, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. Littell is pitching to a 3.58 ERA with a 1.12 WHIP in 133 1/3 IP this season.

The Seattle Mariners acquired a huge power bat for their lineup as they traded for Diamondbacks third base slugger Eugenio Suárez, per Jeff Passan. Suárez, who has been in trade talks this whole past month, is currently fifth in the majors with 36 homers.

The Chicago Cubs acquired starting pitching help in the form of Michael Soroka from the Washington Nationals, per Ken Rosenthal.

The Philadelphia Phillies swung a huge trade for Twins all-star closer Jhoan Duran, sending over two top-100 prospects to Minnesota in return. Click here for more on the big addition.

The Boston Red Sox added some rotation depth as they acquired former Met Steven Matz from the St. Louis Cardinals and, in return, sent St. Louis first base prospect Blaze Jordan, per Jeff Passan.

Dave Dombrowski said the Phillies are done with bullpen additions after acquiring Jhoan Duran. They will continue to seek a possible outfield reinforcement before Thursday’s deadline, per Matt Gelb of The Athletic. Philadelphia has been in on White Sox OF Luis Robert, who the Mets have also shown interest in.

The Seattle Mariners acquired left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson from the Pittsburgh Pirates, per Jeff Passan.

The Cincinnati Reds swung an in-division trade for Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. Hayes, one of the better defensive third basemen in the league, still has five more years of club control.

The Atlanta Braves acquired RHP reliever Tyler Kinley from the Colorado Rockies, per Mark Feinsand.

Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. hit the 10-day IL with right Achilles tendon inflammation after coming up lame on his right leg on Tuesday night. Atlanta recalled Jarred Kelenic to take his place. 

The Chicago Cubs acquired reliever Andrew Kittredge from the Baltimore Orioles, per Jon Heyman.

Latest On MMO

Francisco Alvarez left yesterday’s loss with an injury. He did pass concussion protocol. 

Check out our write-up of the Tyler Rogers trade. And the Ryan Helsley deal, too.

On This Date in Mets History

2021: The Mets induct Jon Matlack, Ron Darling and Edgardo Alfonzo into the team’s Hall of Fame. In the subsequent game against the Reds, Brandon Drury would get a walk-off base hit.

2015: Two days after nearly being traded for Carlos Gomez, Wilmer Flores hits a walk-off homer to beat the Nats in 12 innings. On this same day, the Mets acquired Yoenis Céspedes from the Tigers for Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa.

2006: Following an injury to Duaner Sánchez, the Mets trade Xavier Nady to the Pirates for Roberto Hernandez and Oliver Pérez.

1989: The Mets acquire Frank Viola in a trade with the Minnesota Twins.

Born on This Date: Nick Plummer (1996), René Rivera (1983), Billy Wynne (1943).

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