The Philadelphia Phillies and free agent reliever David Robertson have agreed to terms on a one year deal, per multiple reports. The deal will reportedly pay Robertson $5.5 million for the remainder of the 2025 season, making it equivalent to a $16 million, one year contract.
We talked about Robertson last week, when it was reported that he was throwing for clubs. The 40 year old righthander was very good for Texas in 2024, putting up a 3.00 ERA and 2.65 FIP in 72 innings over 68 appearances while
combining with Kirby Yates to provide the Rangers with a lockdown 8th/9th inning combo. Factoring in deferrals and the buyout of his mutual option, he made about $11.5 million in 2024, and while he drew interest in the offseason, he reportedly did not find a team willing to meet his asking price.
Of course, relievers are always in demand at the trade deadline, and the Phillies in particular are in need of bullpen help — their 4.33 bullpen ERA is 23rd in the majors, just ahead, amusingly enough, the Los Angeles Dodgers, who spent a lot of money to upgrade their bullpen this offseason and yet are 24th in bullpen ERA. The Rangers, of course, went cheap with their bullpen rebuild this offseason, and are somehow fourth in bullpen ERA, a reminder that relievers are inherently unpredictable.
By waiting, Robertson has landed with a team currently in first place in their division, and which is willing to pay him a handsome sum for what they are hoping will be a little more than three months worth of work. It is also an organization he’s familiar with — he signed a two year deal with the Phillies prior to the 2019 season, though he only appeared in seven games in 2019-20 for them due to Tommy John surgery. He also was acquired by the Phillies at the trade deadline in 2022 and had a successful stint with them that year, including 8 appearances in the postseason that year for Philly.
The Rangers, one would think, had at least some interest in Robertson, though given their desire to stay under the Competitive Balance Tax, they likely were not willing to pay him as much as the Phillies offer. In addition, Philadelphia would seem to be a more attractive destination than Texas, given they are more likely to make the playoffs.
