Hansel Robles. He can be so hot right now. But sometimes… He so cannot.
Before we review the hurler’s 2016, let’s go back to his baseball beginnings.
A native of Bonao, Monsenor Nouel, Dominican Republic, Hansel signed with the Mets eight days after his 18th birthday on August 21, 2008. Since then, he has played at every level in the Mets farm system. He started many games, having started 18 as recently as 2014 for AA Binghamton. Having appeared in 30 games, however, they clearly saw how electric he could potentially be coming out of the bullpen.
Robles made no starts in 2015 for AAA Las Vegas before making his Major League debut on April 24, 2015, getting out of a bases loaded jam with 2 strikeouts against the Yankees.
He had an effective if still uneven 1st season in the big leagues, being trusted at many points in pressure situations in both the regular season and the 2015 playoffs, as well as an indelible quickpitch which gave him a higher profile, as well as a notorious one.
How’d He Do in 2016?
In broad strokes, Robles pitched 77.2 innings, with a 6-4 record and a 3.48 ERA. He struck out 9.8 batters per 9 innings, but walked 4.2 per 9 as well.
Alas, he was wilder this year, seeing his K/BB ratio dip from 3.39 in 2015 to 2.36 in 2016. He walked 36 compared to 18 in 2015, and saw his WHIP rise to 1.352 compared to 1.019 last year. He was better in the 1st half than the 2nd, with a 2.38 ERA compared to a 4.08 ERA, respectively.
That was, however, marred by an awful stretch in August, when he gave up 15 runs in 13 games.
Hansel did collect his 1st Major League save with 2 2/3 innings pitched (an old-school save) against the Phillies on September 23, 2016.
Room for improvement?
Take a look at this about Robles and his pitches from brooksbaseball.net:
Basic description of 2016 pitches compared to other RHP:
His fourseam fastball generates more whiffs/swing compared to other pitchers’ fourseamers, has well above average velo and has slight armside run. His slider results in somewhat more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ sliders. His change is thrown extremely hard. His sinker (take this with a grain of salt because he’s only thrown 4 of them in 2016) is basically never swung at and missed compared to other pitchers’ sinkers, is an extreme flyball pitch compared to other pitchers’ sinkers, is blazing fast and has slight armside run.
And here, I believe, is where you get that overall 3.48 ERA, one we know he can improve on.
While his fastball is first rate and above average for swing-and-miss around the league, his slider and rarely thrown sinker are inducing too many flyballs. We’ve seen these pitches act so nasty, and if he can gain consistency with those, he can be as dependable as anybody in our bullpen, and is this close to Terry Collins trusting him in the backend any day of the week. If he can keep his emotions in check and his focus in tune, this kid can do anything.
Come on, Hansel. You know we’re all pushing for you… This kid’s a beast!!!
Role for 2017
Barring unforeseen circumstances that will be more addressed on the next segment, Hansel should find himself back in the mix for the back of the bullpen come spring training.
This is the year that Hansel could seriously use taking it to the next level as he approaches his 27th birthday.
Trade Rumors and contract status
Hansel is one year away from arbitration eligibility, first due up in 2018.
With the Mets out there looking for a sure-handed backend piece, it is very possible that Robles could be included in a package, but there has been nothing direct linking him to anything.
I think most likely the Mets are looking to Hansel Robles to continue eating bullpen innings up at a more than effective clip, with the hope and faith that he’ll turn it into 5th gear in 2017.
Come on, Hansel. We know you can be so hot all the time.
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