Mets acquire Tyler Rogers from Giants for prospect haul

The New York Mets acquired right-handed reliever Tyler Rogers from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for three players Wednesday, bolstering a bullpen that has been pitching on fumes in recent weeks.

The Mets paid a very hefty price for Rogers’ services, sending right-hander José Buttooutfield prospect Drew Gilbert and right-handed pitching prospect Blade Tidwell to the Giants.

Rogers, 34, is a submariner who specializes in generating soft contact with a two-pitch arsenal centered on a sinker that averages just 83 mph.

This season, he has pitched to a 1.80 ERA with 38 strikeouts and four walks in 50 innings across an MLB-leading 53 appearances. He owns a 2.79 ERA over his seven-year career, all with the Giants. Last season, he recorded a 2.82 ERA in a National League-high 77 games. He also led the NL in appearances in 2021 as well as in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Rogers’ identical twin brother, Taylor Rogerswas traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier Wednesday. According to ESPN Research, it’s believed to be the third time in MLB history that brothers were traded midseason on the same day.

Tyler Rogers, who is set to become a free agent after this season, joins a Mets relief corps that has been depleted by overuse and injuries. Since mid-May, New York has lost left-handed relievers A.J. Minter and Danny Young and right-handed relievers Max Kranick and Deniel Núñez for the season because of injuries.

The attrition, combined with Mets starters ranking 25th in innings pitched this season, has produced a taxed group that has struggled after ranking second in the majors in bullpen ERA through May 31.

Since June 1, the Mets’ bullpen ranks 25th in the majors with a 4.87 ERA and 28th in win probability added.

The haul sent by the Mets to the Giants is seemingly substantial. Gilbert, a center fielder, was the No. 7 prospect in the Mets’ farm systemaccording to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel.

Tidwell was at Triple-A Syracuse after making two starts and two relief appearances for the Mets this season.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Giants designated right-hander Sean Hjelle for assignment.