Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

High-Leverage Reliever David Robertson Still a Free Agent – Where Will He Sign?

One of the best high-leverage relievers is still a free-agent...

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Why is David Robertson still a free agent? Maybe it’s because he represents himself and doesn’t have an agent pushing him to accept deals he doesn’t want? Robertson should have been in spring training weeks ago, and now we’re over a week into the season with him still unsigned. I can’t think of a single team that couldn’t use another quality arm in their bullpen. Every manager wants one more reliable guy to get three outs instead of giving the ball to someone less dependable.

I bring this up because Robertson has been consistently good at getting outs for most of his career. He’s not really a closer anymore but works well as a setup man, and all 30 MLB teams could use an upgrade for their bridge to the ninth inning.

Did Robertson pitch well last year? Yes, and the numbers back it up. He posted a 3.00 ERA and 1.7 WAR with the Rangers, and his 72 innings led their bullpen. His 2.65 FIP was his best since 2018, helped by a 33% strikeout rate, his highest since 2017. He can clearly still get outs.

But, Robertson turns 40 next month, so teams might be hesitant to pay up for an older pitcher. Justin Verlander (42) will make $15 million despite a rather disappointing season. Max Scherzer (40) signed for $15.5 million after battling injuries. Charlie Morton (41) earned $15 million with less upside. For relievers specifically, Kenley Jansen (37) will get $10 million despite declining performance. Kirby Yates (37) signed for $13 million. Chris Martin took $5.5 million at age 38 as a hometown discount. These are all experienced high-leverage pitchers.

Robertson should be earning eight figures and probably deserves a raise from last year’s $11.5 million.

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What about his stuff? Robertson has maintained his velocity well. His cutter, his main pitch, averaged 93.3 MPH in both 2023 and 2024. His rarely-used sinker and changeup actually gained speed. His slider and knuckle curve lost velocity, but that might help by creating more separation from his fastballs.

Maybe he’s just waiting for the right offer or considering retirement if he doesn’t get what he wants.

Which Team Will Sign David Robertson?

So who will sign him? Every team could use him, but who’s most likely?

Fans from several teams want him, according to Twitter: Phillies, Astros, Pirates, Cubs, Braves, and Yankees being mentioned most often.

Legit had a dream last night, the Phillies signed David Robertson. Is there a reason he’s unsigned?

(2023-2024)
137.1 IP
3.08 FIP
3.05 SIERA
31.3 K%
.210 BAA
5.8 Brl% pic.twitter.com/7IMnFxce7l
— Joseph Cammisa (@jcammisabsbl) March 17, 2025

How would yall feel about adding David Robertson? Crazy this guy is still a free agent. pic.twitter.com/ARHM45OP0r
— StrosHQ (@stroshq) April 3, 2025

Sign David Robertson and Anthony Rizzo. The musical chairs at first base has to stop until Horwitz is back. pic.twitter.com/0j0uMkTxhb
— Pittsburgh Clothing Co. (@PGHClothingCo) March 30, 2025

David Robertson would be a top 2-3 reliever on this team btw. pic.twitter.com/GrtH2SAioZ
— The Cub Hub (@CubsSkipper) March 28, 2025

How is David Robertson not a Brave yet? AND IM NOT A DAVID ROBERTSON GUY
— Dylan Short (@dylanxshort) April 3, 2025

Someone remind me again why we haven’t called David Robertson? Or at this point maybe Anthony Rizzo even he’d be an upgrade to the current bullpen
— Melissa (@CubsGirlTalk) March 31, 2025

David Robertson just looked down at his phone to 46 missed calls from Alex Anthopoulos
— Stephen (@b_outliers) March 27, 2025

Yankees need to address that bullpen quickly. David Robertson is still available. Kolby Allard is still available. Thor is still available.
— StarBallaz (@StarBallaz) April 4, 2025

An MLB Trade Rumors poll showed the Yankees (10.23%), Rangers (9.53%), Red Sox (9.45%), Cubs (9.08%), and Braves (8.54%) as the top fan choices.

The Diamondbacks make sense on paper since they’ve been looking for late-inning relief help all winter. They’ve added Kendall Graveman and Shelby Miller but Robertson would be a bigger upgrade. The problem is money – Arizona is already at record spending levels after adding Corbin Burnes.

The Rangers could use him back after losing several relievers, but they also seem to be at their budget limit.

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The Cubs and Tigers have been connected to Robertson throughout the winter. Chicago’s interest might have cooled after adding Ryan Pressly and Ryan Brasier. Detroit hasn’t been linked to him much since signing Tommy Kahnle, though they reportedly wanted someone with closing experience.

The Red Sox, Cardinals, and Phillies all have needs that Robertson could fill.

David Robertson

Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.