Low-key Mets trade has been more beneficial than anticipated

The New York Mets had an active offseason when it came to free agency. Trades, however, were far more limited. Bringing in Brooks Raley from the Tampa Bay Rays was arguably the biggest trade. Approaching the end of May, it’s a different low-key Mets trade which has been far more beneficial.

Before we even got to Thanksgiving and ruined our autumn diets, the Mets made a trade with the Miami Marlins for a pair of relievers. Elieser Hernandez was expected to compete for a spot in the team’s bullpen as the long man or possibly settle in at Triple-A for starting pitching depth. Also acquired in this deal was Jeff Brigham. Now 31, Brigham had pitched only 53 MLB games before the trade. He has already seen action for the Mets in 14 this year.

Slowly but surely, Brigham is proving he is an asset for the Mets. A 3.00 ERA in 15 innings of work with a surprisingly awesome 0.80 WHIP has put him on Buck Showalter’s good side. Lately, it has resulted in some big innings.

NY Mets trade with the Marlins for a pair of relievers is on pace for a win

With Hernandez on the IL and zero innings logged for the Mets this year, all focus from this deal is on Brigham. Although Jake Mangum has continued to hit for a high average down in Triple-A for the Marlins, this remains what feels like a necessary move by New York.

Brigham has been getting into games late for the Mets. His last four appearances were in wins for the ball club with an appearance in the sixth inning or later. He picked up a hold in two of them including his most recent outing on May 18 when he tossed a scoreless eighth inning. It was a quick turnaround for him with positive results after the night prior when he was one of several Mets relievers to allow at least one run across.

Effective outings have helped move Brigham up the Mets depth chart. As one of only a small number of Mets relievers with minor league options, he’s helping to save some grief with the team having the ability to demote him if needed. There could always come a point when Brigham is pitching well enough to the point where the Mets will have no choice but to keep him around and DFA a struggling reliever instead.

During a year where we can question a lot of front office decisions from who they brought in, who they kept, and how long they’ve kept certain players in the minor leagues, the addition of Brigham has been a quieter victory.

Reliable arms for the sixth, seventh, or maybe even eighth as needed aren’t always the easiest to find. At least for now, this Mets trade has discovered one.