White Sox Bolster Bullpen With Reported Trade for Mets Reliever Huascar Brazobán
The Chicago White Sox have reportedly strengthened their bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Huascar Brazobán from the New York Mets. In return, the Mets are set to receive minor league pitchers Gabe Davis and Zach Franklin. Because Chicago already has an open spot on its 40-man roster, no additional move will be needed to complete the transaction.
Brazobán Enjoying Best Season of His Career
At 36 years old, Brazobán is in the midst of the most productive campaign of his major league career. He capped off his tenure with the Mets by tossing a scoreless inning with two strikeouts against the Miami Marlins, lowering his ERA to 2.56 across 52.2 innings.
The veteran right-hander has combined a solid 23.7% strikeout rate with an impressive 52.6% ground-ball rate. Armed with a fastball that consistently sits between 96 and 97 mph, Brazobán relies heavily on a sinking fastball to generate weak contact. His low-90s changeup, which closely mirrors the movement of his sinker, has become his most effective secondary pitch.
Although command has remained an issue throughout his career—particularly against left-handed hitters—he has continued to deliver dependable results since joining the Mets from the Miami Marlins in 2023. This season, he has walked 11% of opposing hitters, including 13 free passes to left-handed batters.
Immediate Upgrade for Chicago’s Relief Corps
Chicago recently included Seranthony Domínguez in its trade for starting pitcher Luis Castillo, leaving room for another high-leverage reliever. Brazobán is expected to step into a setup role alongside Jordan Hicks, helping bridge games to closer Grant Taylor.
The White Sox already have left-handed options in Sean Newcomb and Bryan Hudson, but the club is still expected to pursue additional starting pitching and catching help before the trade deadline.
Mets Continue to Reshape Their Pitching Staff
Brazobán becomes the latest arm moved by New York as the organization continues reshaping its pitching staff. He follows recent trades involving A.J. Minter and Freddy Peralta, while veterans such as Clay Holmes, Brooks Raley, and potentially Luke Weaver have also surfaced in trade discussions.
Despite Brazobán remaining under affordable team control for three more seasons, the Mets opted to capitalize on his increased trade value. The late-blooming reliever, who reached the majors at age 32 after spending time in independent baseball, is earning just $1.05 million this season and remains arbitration-eligible through 2029.
Mets Add Two Pitching Prospects
In exchange, New York receives a pair of intriguing pitching prospects, headlined by Gabe Davis.
A fifth-round selection out of Oklahoma State in the 2025 MLB Draft, Davis possesses an imposing 6-foot-9 frame and premium velocity, featuring a fastball that reaches triple digits along with a promising slider. While evaluators project him as a future reliever because of inconsistent command and a developing changeup, the White Sox have continued using him as a starter. Across High-A and Double-A this season, Davis owns a 5.81 ERA while striking out roughly one-quarter of opposing hitters.
The Mets also acquire Zach Franklin, a 27-year-old reliever who has quietly put together strong underlying numbers at Triple-A. Although he has posted a 4.37 ERA in 45.1 innings, Franklin has recorded a 32% strikeout rate while limiting walks to under 8%. His biggest challenge has been home runs, as he has surrendered more than two per nine innings. Franklin features a fastball in the mid-90s along with a slider and splitter and could compete for a role in New York’s revamped bullpen later this season or in the near future.
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