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New York Yankees Rumors: Yanks Win Claim on Ex-Closer David Robertson

By Michael Cambria

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In an attempt to load up their power bullpen even more, the New York Yankees have officially put in a claim on White Sox reliever and ex-Yankees closer David Robertson.

The news was first reported by Jon Heyman of CBS Sports;

Brian Cashman will find out later on today whether or not he has any chance of negotiating with Rick Hahn to bring his former closer back into the fold. However, Heyman noted that as of Sunday night, a deal between the two clubs is highly unlikely.

Non the less, the Yankees have officially been awarded the claim, which means that it’s now up to the White Sox to decide if they even want to trade David Robertson back to the Yankees, who they essentially snagged away from the Bronx last offseason with a four-year/ $46 million dollar deal and a compensation draft pick.

While a trade to the Yankees might potentially unload the full $38 million remaining on Robertson’s deal, Heyman notes that the White Sox appear to be very happy with his performance to date. In 48 games, the ex-Yankee has hurled 52.0 innings with 27 saves, 71 strikeouts and a 2.60 ERA. Perhaps even more intriguing for the White Sox is that Roberston is just 30-years old, and they still have three more years of control over him.

Should they decide to actually go-ahead and deal Robertson, the White Sox will have until 2:00 pm EST today to send him back to New York.

When Robertson signed with the Chicago White Sox, his contract came with a four-team no-trade clause. Jon Heyman noted that the Yankees aren’t one of the four teams listed, but let’s be honest, Robertson probably wouldn’t block a trade back to New York anyway.

Interestingly enough, when the Yankees signed Andrew Miller during the off-season, Brian Cashman repeatedly expressed his interest in still retaining David Robertson in addition to Miller with hopes of creating a super bullpen. Obviously a dominant bullpen still remained part of Cashman’s plan through the season, as the Yankees were frequently linked to big-name closers like Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman and Carter Capps leading up to the trade deadline.

Non the less, if the Yankees don’t end up with Robertson and he still remains a member of the Chicago White Sox, their claim is very significant because it blocked both the playoff bound Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros from potentially dealing for the closer as well.

Check-mate, said Mr. Brian Cashman.

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UPDATE: 2:09 pm EST

According to Jon Heyman, David Robertson was pulled off waivers. The 2:00 pm deadline came and went without a trade, as expected.

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