Free Agent Updates: David Robertson

No one envied David Robertson when he was handed the reigns as the Yankees’ closer, replacing the great Mariano Rivera. But, Robertson answered the call and ended up having a very good season. In 63 games he notched 39 saves, posted a 3.08 ERA and struck out 96 batters. He wasn’t perfect and no, he wasn’t the great reliever Yankees fans were spoiled with for so many seasons. But, Robertson was one of the best closers in baseball last season and, now as a free agent, he’s looking to cash in.

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Robertson is looking for big money this off season. Anyone who follows the off season closely has already heard that he’s looking to get Jonathan Paplebon money and money people around baseball believe that he’ll be getting just that. Spending a boatload of money on a reliever isn’t the best idea especially with the draft pick attached to Robertson after he declined the Yankees’ $15 million dollar qualifying offer. But, for certain teams in need of relief help like the Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays and others would be willing to pay that to get him. In fact, there’s one team that has expressed interest in the Yankee hurler.

According to recent reports the Houston Astros have reached out to Robertson and his agent about a possible contract. The Astros, looking to to take another step forward in the coming season, have long searched for a high caliber closer and a deal with Robertson would provide just that. They have a lot of space on their payroll to splurge on an elite reliever (Depending on whether you’re of the school that believes Robertson is an elite closer or not) and Robertson makes sense for Houston.

If Houston decides to offer what we are referring to as “Paplebon Money” I find it hard to believe that the Yankees would one up that offer. The Yankees have a very good bullpen even without Robertson. Guys like Dellin Betances, newly acquired Justin Wilson, veteran Shawn Kelley and young up and comer Jacob Lindgren make up the core of one of baseball’s better bullpens. Bringing back Robertson to add to the mix with Betances and someone like Lindgren has the potential to form something like the 1990 Cincinnati Reds’ Nasty Boys of Norm Charlton, Rob Dibble and Randy Myers.

The Yankees have more pressing needs on the roster and while they’d want Robertson back it doesn’t seem like they’d be willing to overpay for a reliever because relievers are usually too up and down. The Cubs and Astros have more need and would seem more likely to throw that type of money at Robertson. For right now, Robertson is testing the market and is looking poised for a big pay day.