Giants Trade Longest-Tenured Player Tyler Rogers to Mets
The San Francisco Giants have made a significant roster move, trading veteran reliever Tyler Rogers, their longest-tenured player, to the New York Mets just before the Major League Baseball trade deadline.
This trade was confirmed on Thursday, with the Mets sending right-hander José Buttó, pitching prospect Blade Tidwell, and outfield prospect Drew Gilbert in return.
In a corresponding move, the Giants designated right-hander Sean Hjelle for assignment to clear space on their 40-man roster.
Rogers, 34, is known for his unique submarine delivery, which has made him one of the most reliable relievers in the National League. His ability to induce poor swings has been a hallmark of his pitching style.
Since joining the Giants in 2019, Rogers has maintained a 2.79 ERA across 392 relief appearances. This season, he is enjoying what could be his best performance yet, boasting an impressive 1.80 ERA over 53 appearances, ranking him among the top relievers in the league.
The Giants' decision to trade Rogers for Buttó and two prospects may indicate a shift in strategy as they approach the trade deadline. This comes on the heels of a blockbuster deal last month that brought All-Star slugger Rafael Devers to San Francisco. The team is currently struggling, having lost six consecutive games and posting a dismal 2-10 record since the All-Star break. Since Devers joined the team from the Boston Red Sox, the Giants have recorded an MLB-worst 13-24 record and now find themselves six games behind in the NL Wild Card race.
On the other hand, the Mets, currently second in the National League East and vying for a Wild Card spot, are looking to strengthen their bullpen after being swept by the San Diego Padres, where they were outscored 19-7 over three games. In addition to acquiring Rogers, New York has reportedly secured closer Ryan Helsley from the St. Louis Cardinals.
Buttó has posted a 3.64 ERA over 34 relief appearances for the Mets this season, although he has also started 15 games throughout his four seasons with the team.
Prospect Blade Tidwell, 24, has a 4.10 ERA over 17 appearances for Triple-A Syracuse this season and has made four appearances at the major league level.
Gilbert, also 24, is batting .243 with a .777 OPS and has hit 12 home runs for Triple-A Syracuse over 82 games this season. He was acquired by the Mets from the Houston Astros as part of a deal involving current Giant Justin Verlander.
