The Philadelphia Phillies just pulled off a key midseason move, signing veteran reliever David Robertson — a player the New York Mets also had on their radar. Robertson brings postseason poise and a strong track record, and the Phillies secured him with a $6 million deal that shut the door on their NL East rivals.
But this bullpen battle isn’t over.
The Mets now have an opportunity to answer back — and they might just one-up Philly if they act quickly. Their next target? Minnesota Twins setup man Griffin Jax, a name the Phillies are also reportedly eyeing. All it could take is a slightly better prospect or a marginally higher offer — the trade deadline version of bidding $1 more — and the Mets could walk away with a bullpen gem.
Why Jax Might Be the Better Fit Anyway
Robertson, despite being 40 years old, is still highly effective. Last season, he put up a 3.00 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP and struck out 99 batters over 72 innings for Texas. His playoff experience makes him a low-risk, high-value addition to any contending team, and the Phillies were smart to pounce.
However, the Mets are looking for more than just reliability — they need power and upside. Griffin Jax checks both boxes.
At 30, Jax is entering his prime. He pairs a mid-to-upper 90s fastball with a sweeping slider and a well-disguised changeup. So far in 2024, he’s sporting a 3.92 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP, with 66 strikeouts in just over 41 innings. But it’s his recent form that’s turning heads. Since late April, Jax has a stellar 2.16 ERA and has held hitters to a .208 average.
Even more impressive are his advanced metrics — his strikeout rate, chase rate, and whiff rate all rank among the top 2% in the league. That level of dominance makes him a perfect candidate for high-leverage innings, particularly as a bridge to Mets closer Edwin DÃaz.
So while the Phillies may have scored a proven arm in Robertson, the Mets still have a chance to land the bullpen upgrade with more upside. Griffin Jax could be the difference-maker in tight games down the stretch — and a well-timed trade might just tip the scales in New York’s favor.
With the trade deadline looming, the Mets are still in play. And if they make the right move, it could be the Phillies left settling for second best.
