Oct 28, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher David Robertson (30) reacts after defeating the Houston Astros in game one of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Troy Taormina
David Robertson was one of the key supporting pieces in a 2022 bullpen led by José Alvarado that helped the Phillies to make an improbable run to the World Series. Could he now be part of replacing the suspended lefty?
In the wake of Alvarado's 80-game suspension for a failed performance-enhancing drug test — a penalty that will also include him being ineligible for the postseason — MLB.com's Mark Feinsand examined how the Phillies can proceed in the bullpen. His story included this nugget:
Prior to the announcement of Alvarado’s suspension, a source said the Phillies reached out to free agent David Robertson, easily the best reliever left on the open market. No serious talks took place, the source said, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Phillies considered a reunion with the 40-year-old, who has had two previous stints in Philadelphia.
Robertson celebrated his 40th birthday in April, but it's still surprising that he isn't yet on a team. The 16-year veteran posted a 3.00 ERA and 2.65 FIP across 68 games last season for the Texas Rangers, so there's reason to think he still has something left in the tank.
Ultimately, this will come down to how much money Robertson — who is estimated by Spotrac to have made $100 million in his career — wants to pitch. We're assuming he does intend to continue his career at some point. It will presumably take him some time to be ready to pitch in an MLB game, even if he's been throwing.
Robertson has had two stints with the Phillies already, initially signing a two-year/$23 million deal to join the team prior to the 2019 season. However, he made just seven appearances before needing Tommy John surgery, which ultimately knocked him out for the 2020 season as well.
The Phillies reacquired Robertson in a trade with the Chicago Cubs in August of 2022. He proved to be an excellent rental, posting a 2.70 ERA in 22 games down the stretch.
No one is suggesting that Robertson should be the move that the Phillies make this summer to bolster their bullpen, but signing him and then eventually trading for another arm might be a pretty good strategy for Dave Dombrowski and company.
