After their second straight collapse in 2008, the New York Mets decided to make significant additions to their bullpen. J.J. Putz was supposed to be the anchor to Francisco Rodriguez to close out victories for the 2009 Mets.
Putz came to the Mets in a three-team deal with the Seattle Mariners and Cleveland Indians. The trade included the Mets shipping away Endy Chavez, Aaron Heilman, Joe Smith, and Jason Vargas. Putz was coming off rib and elbow injuries, which did not allow him to pitch as well as his 2007 All-Star season.