Padres: Trevor Rosenthal a finalist for NL Reliever of the Year

Despite pitching half a season with the Padres, Trevor Rosenthal is a finalist for the Trevor Hoffman NL Reliever of the Year Award. Who is he up against?

Arguably the most impactful addition at the trade deadline, Trevor Rosenthal was a much-needed addition to the back end of the Padres bullpen. Kirby Yates was lost for the season after a few outings, and several players failed to live up to their expectations. Once Rosenthal was acquired from the Royals, he had a calming effect on everyone in the bullpen.

The Padres ‘pen went from one of the least to most reliable. The 30-year-old collected four out of five saves in San Diego, fanning 17 batters in 10.0 innings. And therefore, he’s been named a finalist for the Trevor Hoffman National League Reliever of the Year award.

https://twitter.com/Padres/status/1318327844192223232?s=20

Rosenthal signed a one-year deal with Kansas City in the offseason, collecting 7 saves and limiting opponents to a .188 average. And the Padres only had to give up Edward Olivares and Ronald Bolanos to get the deal done.

Here’s what Rosenthal had to say about being a finalist via Twitter:

"“Thank you, huge testament to the arms we had in the pen this year! Hoping to put in the work again with these guys soon.”"

I love the last line.

The Padres have made it clear that they want to bring the big righty back next year. Per The Athletic, San Diego hopes to retain one of Rosenthal, Yates, or Jurickson Profar. Yates would appear the least likely to return. And between Profar and Rosenthal, I’d prefer the latter to bolster the bullpen for a full 162-game slate next season.

Rosenthal is up against Devin Williams (Brewers) and Jeremy Jeffress (Cubs). Williams was outstanding for Milwaukee this season, posting a 0.33 ERA and striking out 53 batters in only 27.0 innings. And like Rosenthal, Jeffress signed a one-year deal but with the Cubs. There, the 33-year-old logged a 1.54 ERA in 22 appearances.

It’s curtains for the other two guys.