Hernandez, 27, started 10 games and came out of the bullpen for 10 more for Miami this past season, his fifth in the Majors. While his overall numbers — 3-6 with a 6.35 ERA, along with 60 strikeouts in 62 1/3 innings — do not pop off the page, Hernandez fills an obvious need for the Mets now that swingman Trevor Williams has gone to free agency in search of a more consistent starting role. New York needs someone to replace Williams as a pitcher capable of starting, throwing on short rest, pitching in long relief or even providing short relief if necessary. Hernandez fits that bill.
Brigham becomes a bullpen candidate for the Mets after producing a 3.38 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 24 innings over 16 relief appearances in 2022. The 30-year-old has pitched four seasons in the big leagues, topping out in the mid-to-upper 90s but struggling through various arm injuries along the way.
Brigham joins a group of high-octane arms that the Mets have acquired in recent weeks, including waiver claims Tayler Saucedo, Stephen Ridings and William Woods. He’ll compete with those three and others for a job in Spring Training.
The Marlins had designated Hernandez and Brigham for assignment on Tuesday, which led them to explore trades for both.
To acquire the duo from a division rival, the Mets gave up Sánchez, 22, who did not rank among their Top 30 Prospects by MLB Pipeline. The 6-foot-6 right-hander had a 3.79 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings over 17 games (seven starts) at Single-A and High-A in 2022.
.