Over the weekend, a bombshell report was dropped on the Philadelphia Phillies and the rest of MLB. On Sunday, it was announced that Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games for violating the MLB drug policy, a significant blow to the Phillies’ roster. With the Phillies only a half-game back of the New York Mets for first, they will be in the market for a big league-caliber reliever.
However, the Mets are also in the market for a reliever. One of the most likely candidates for both is David Robertson, a 16-year veteran who has pitched to a 2.91 ERA over his career with 1,154 strikeouts to 357 walks, a 1.156 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 144. Bringing in Robertson will not only help the Mets but also hurt the Phillies’ chances as well.
How David Robertson helps the Mets and hurts the Phillies
Robertson spent half a season with both the Mets and Phillies. In 2023, he pitched 44 innings with the Mets, pitching to a 2.05 ERA with 48 strikeouts to 13 walks, a 1.000 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 172. When he was with the Phillies in 2022, he pitched to a 2.70 ERA over 23 1/3 innings with 30 strikeouts to 16 walks, a 1.371 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 150.
The main concern surrounding Robertson is his age. With him turning 40 years old in April, many teams were concerned if he had anything left in the tank. This is why he’s still a free agent in late May. However, he pitched decent enough in 2024 for teams to take a flyer on him. In 72 innings with the Rangers, he had an ERA of three with 99 strikeouts to 27 walks, a 1.111 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 131.
Where Robertson had the most success was against lefties. In 140 plate appearances against lefties, Robertson held them to a slashline of .145/.237/.231 giving up eight earned runs, 17 hits, and three home runs. He also struck out 49 batters and walked 13. Although the days of the lefties specialist are over with the three batter minimum, Robertson has solid enough numbers against righties that you can bring him in against a tough lefty and know he won’t struggle after.
With injuries to guys like A.J. Minter, the Mets’ bullpen depth has been tested early. They’ve had to call on guys like Genesis Cabrera and Jose Castillo to get meaningful outs. These are not relievers you want to rely on during a pennant race. Bringing a guy like Robertson can give the Mets a quality reliever with experience in high-leverage situations.
It would also make the loss of Alvarado worse for the Phillies. Currently, the Phillies have one of the worst bullpens in baseball. They have an ERA of 4.57, 8th worst in the MLB, and a WHIP of 1.34. However, Alvarado was one of their better pitchers. In 20 innings, he pitched to a 2.70 ERA with 25 strikeouts to four walks, 1.200 WHIP, and an ERA+ of 157. If the Phillies cannot replace him, their bullpen will worsen. It’ll be a significant blow to their chances of winning the NL East and making the playoffs.
