NY Mets Monday Morning GM: 3 players signed mid-year that could’ve made a difference

2) David Robertson

Stearns can get a minor pass on Buehler. There’s little reason to justify why he didn’t double down the same way he did with signing Raley by bringing David Robertson back. Although finishing with a 4.08 ERA in the regular season wasn’t great and his first appearance out of the bullpen in the playoffs was terribly bad, we can’t argue favorably against signing Robertson.

A trade deadline addition in theory, he debuted in mid-August for the Phillies after getting warmed up in the minors. A couple of bad outings in September launched his season ERA. Considering his experience, the Phillies shouldn’t have any regrets. After all, their bullpen has cost them a championship multiple times in the past. Look no further than last year’s NLDS against the Mets when they melted under the pressure.

Robertson signed with the Phillies shortly before the trade deadline when the Mets brought in Ryan Helsley and Tyler Rogers instead to provide them with high-leverage innings from the right side. Though Rogers had an acceptable performance when you ignore the inherited runners he allowed to score, Helsley couldn’t have been much worse. Flip Helsley for Robertson and the Mets are probably in the playoffs in 2025. The most Steve Cohen-led thing the Mets could have done mid-year was sign a player like Robertson. Of course, he had to end up with the NL East rival Phillies.