Two teams could be eyeing left-hander Taylor Rogers on the waiver wire. Buster Olney of ESPN reports that the New York Mets and Boston Red Sox might pursue Rogers if they are willing to pay his remaining salary this season and in 2025. Interestingly, Olney added that the Red Sox could focus on Liam Hendriks, who has made four rehab appearances. The Mets could use more bullpen help, and they would retain Rogers in 2025, as he is owed $12 million for next season.
Mets, Red Sox Urged to Pursue Taylor Rogers
Rogers, 33, was one of three players the San Francisco Giants placed on waivers. The former All-Star is in the second season of a three-year, $33 million free-agent deal. He will be owed $2.15 million this season. He has remained effective in his two seasons with San Francisco. Specifically, he carries a 2.45 ERA in 51 1/3 innings while striking out 28.2 percent of hitters with a 7.7 percent walk rate.
Ideally, Boston pursues Rogers, as some of their trade deadline acquisitions have been injured. Right-handers Lucas Sims (right lat strain) and Luis Garcia (right elbow inflammation) landed on the 15-day injured list. Left-hander James Paxton is already on the 60-day IL. The absences of those pitchers might have Rogers slot in with Rich Hill in the bullpen, who joined the Red Sox this week. Boston recalled Greg Weissert and Josh Winckowski from Triple-A Worcester.
The Mets late-inning relief issues continue to hurt them and lost ground in their postseason push. New York’s bullpen ranks 20th in the majors with a 4.08 ERA and has six blown ninth-inning leads, the third-most in MLB. High-leverage reliever Dedniel Núñez might see a return to the IL after one appearance after his first injury stint. Núñez is now dealing with right forearm tightness and is not recovering well. Right-hander Edwin Díaz has not been the same since his injury last year. The closer has a 6.75 ERA for August and lost the game for the Mets in his previous two appearances.
There is no guarantee that Rogers will be in a new uniform. If the Mets or Red Sox are unwilling to take on the additional salary, Rogers will remain with the Giants.
