As the trade deadline approaches, the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants pulled off one of the more fascinating deals so far — one that could prove to be a rare win for both sides.
The Mets landed veteran right-handed reliever Tyler Rogers, known for his submarine delivery and durability, while sending right-handers José Buttó and Blade Tidwell, along with outfield prospect Drew Gilbert, to San Francisco. The trade meets key needs for both teams, albeit in very different ways.
Mets Grade: A
The Mets are deep in the playoff hunt, and with their bullpen battered by injuries all year, reinforcements weren’t just helpful — they were essential. Edwin Díaz has been unreliable, Brooks Raley is just getting back, and several key arms are out for the season. That’s why adding Tyler Rogers makes so much sense. He’s not just productive — he’s as reliable as they come.
Rogers has led the league in appearances more than once and has never landed on the injured list. This year, he’s been dominant: a 1.80 ERA, an eye-popping 64.4% groundball rate, and the lowest walk rate (2.1%) among qualified relievers.
He doesn’t overpower hitters with velocity — his fastball sits around 83 mph — but his funky submarine delivery and heavy movement produce endless weak contact, making him a perfect fit for high-leverage innings.
In the postseason, where matchups and bullpens decide games, Rogers’ deceptive style could be a game-changer. His delivery is so unique that even high-end pitch simulators like Trajekt can’t accurately replicate it — a major edge when hitters can’t prepare for him. Despite his unusual mechanics, he’s effective against both righties and lefties, with minimal platoon splits.
Sure, Rogers is a rental, but he comes cheap — under $2 million — a key factor for a Mets team already brushing up against the highest tier of the luxury tax. Compared to the cost of relievers like Raisel Iglesias or Kenley Jansen, Rogers is a budget-friendly upgrade. His addition, along with earlier acquisitions like Gregory Soto and the returning Raley, gives New York a diverse, matchup-proof bullpen.
Some may think the Mets paid a steep price, but in reality, the trio of prospects they gave up — Drew Gilbert, Blade Tidwell, and José Buttó — were all expendable. Gilbert wasn’t yet on the 40-man roster and would’ve needed a spot soon. Tidwell had slipped in the organization’s prospect rankings, and Buttó was out of options and possibly on his way out anyway. Instead of risking losing them for little or nothing, the Mets turned them into a top-tier reliever — a smart move that boosts their postseason chances without mortgaging the future.
Giants Grade: B+
On the other side, the Giants made a smart, strategic move by dealing a soon-to-be free agent reliever. Tyler Rogers has been a mainstay in San Francisco’s bullpen since debuting in 2019, but with the team slipping out of playoff contention — now sitting at .500 after a rough stretch — it was a logical time to sell high. And that’s exactly what they did. (That said, I still think they should be buyers — one hot month could change everything.)
In exchange for two months of a soft-throwing, though highly effective, reliever, the Giants picked up three players who could all have a role at the major league level.
Drew Gilbert, a former first-round pick, was a big piece in last year’s Justin Verlander trade. While injuries and platoon struggles (especially against lefties) have slightly hurt his stock, he remains a high-energy player with tools and defensive versatility. He could settle in as a left-handed platoon bat or a valuable fourth outfielder — especially relevant with Mike Yastrzemski nearing free agency.
Blade Tidwell brings mid-rotation potential if he can improve his control. He has a deep arsenal with multiple pitches flashing plus, but command has been his weak spot. If the Giants can help him sharpen his control, he could become a sneaky-good starter. If not, he still profiles as a solid bullpen arm — which would still be useful given the innings they’ll need to cover.
José Buttó already has big league experience. While not overpowering, he’s a steady innings-eater who can keep games competitive. With the rotation in flux — especially after dealing Kyle Harrison and Jordan Hicks in the Devers trade — he provides much-needed depth behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.
For the Giants, this was about finding balance — turning an expiring asset into legitimate depth without completely giving up on the season. Gilbert and Tidwell help rebuild a thinned-out farm system, and Buttó can step in right away to replace Rogers in the bullpen.
This is one of those rare trades that feels like a win for both teams. The Mets paid a reasonable price to strengthen a weakened bullpen that could make or break their playoff hopes, while the Giants capitalized on timing to secure future value. In a deadline often full of panic moves, this one was measured, smart, and mutually beneficial.
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