The Mets have announced they have traded right handed reliever Miguel Castro to the Yankees for Left handed reliever Joely Rodriguez. The 30 year old Dominican pitched to a 4.66 ERA between the Yankees and the Rangers.
However, the lefty does have team controll until 2026, while Castro would have been a free agent next offseason. There is also lot to like about Rodriguez, as he has a low FIP 3.43, which could indicate him improving on his ERA. My main concern is his high WHIP as it stood at 1.53 last year.
In the shortened 2020, Rodriguez pitched well with a 2.13 ERA with a 1.69 FIP. Over the last two years he owns a 4.12 ERA with a 3.06 FIP in 59 major league innings. After he went to the Yankees last year, he did well with a 2.84 ERA over 19 innings in the Bronx.
Rodriguez throws a sinker that averaged 94mph most of the time (41%), with his change-up as his best secondary pitch (-6 Run Value). He also a 4 seamer and an occasional slider.
Looking at his Baseball Savant page, you get why the Mets made this move. He limits hard hit contact and his XERA was solid. He also had one of the highest chase rates in the game. The main reason to me is still him being a lefty and having control years.
Rodriguez will join righties Diaz, May, Ottavino, Smith and Lugo in the Mets bullpen.
Update: according to Joel Sherman Joely Rodriguez can become a Free agent after this year.
Photo Credit: MLB Trade Rumors
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