Mets trading closer David Robertson to the Marlins – The Denver Post

The Mets made a major trade just before midnight Thursday, agreeing to send closer David Robertson to the Marlins for a pair of prospects, the Daily News can confirm.

New York is getting back infielder Marco Vargas and catcher Ronald Hernandez for the right-handed reliever, who has a 2.05 ERA and 14 saves this season.

Speculation had swirled about whether the Mets, who are 48-54 despite the highest payroll in MLB history, would buy or sell before the Aug. 1 trade deadline.

Robertson is the first domino to drop, with outfielder Tommy Pham and ace Justin Verlander among the others whose names have come up in rumors.

The 38-year-old Robertson assumed the closer role after two-time All-Star Edwin Diaz suffered a season-ending knee injury during March’s World Baseball Classic. Robertson, who pitched nine seasons with the crosstown Yankees, was in his first year with the Mets.

MLB Pipeline ranked Vargas, 18, as the Marlins’ No. 18 prospect and Hernandez, 19, at No. 21.

Miami is 55-48 this season and a half game behind the Reds for the third and final National League wild card spot. The Mets — who beat the Nationals, 2-1, on Thursday — are seven games out.

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