Mets' David Robertson 'not excited about' potential trade deadline deal

While Mets right-hander David Robertson is no stranger to getting dealt at the trade deadline, he's not keen on the prospect this season, even with New York's struggles so far.

The 38-year-old signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Mets last offseason, expecting to be the club’s set-up man. However, Edwin Díaz's injury at the World Baseball Classic propelled Robertson into the closer role, where he has been effective, posting a 2.08 ERA across 39 appearances with 14 saves.

With the Mets (46-53) essentially out of the National League East race and seven games back of the final wild-card spot, several teams are monitoring their situation ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline. If New York decides to sell off some veterans, Robertson would surely attract the most interest, which he is fully aware of.

In a recent interview with Newsday, Robertson, who was traded from the Cubs to the Phillies at last season's deadline, expressed frustration regarding a potential deal this time around. 

“I’m not excited about it,” Robertson said. “I like it here. I’m not excited about it. It’s just what happens. If they move me, it’s because the organization sees a need to, to make them better. If they do, I’m going to end up on a team that really wants to have me. And I’ll probably end up in a very similar role that I’m in now, a high-leverage situation."

“If it happens, it happens," Robertson continued. "I’ll pack up everything and figure out where to go and figure out which hotel we’re going to live in and all that crap. Cars getting shipped. It’s just a mess. It’s a mess for a family.”

Unlike last offseason, when he signed a prove-it deal with Chicago anticipating being dealt at the deadline after struggling with injuries in the past, Robertson joined the Mets with World Series aspirations. As that appears to be out of the picture, the Mets likely have no choice but to trade their most valuable asset despite Robertson's desire to remain in Queens. 

Given that the trade deadline reliever market tends to be extremely active, New York should manage to secure an offer that can help the team in 2024 and beyond.

For comparison, Colorado traded Pierce Johnson, a 32-year-old journeyman sporting a 6.00 ERA in 39 innings this season that has also walked 25 batters, on Monday for Atlanta's Nos. 10 and 26 prospects. Although Atlanta's farm system isn't considered particularly impressive, as it placed 30th in MLB Pipeline's preseason rankings, Robertson should command at least one top-100 prospect. 

It's not the scenario Robertson nor New York envisioned, but after falling short of expectations by a wide margin, the club is left with few options to improve.