Yankees disappointingly pass on re-signing David Robertson

On Thursday, former Yankees reliever, David Robertson, signed a two-year deal with the Phillies. The one-time heir to Mariano Rivera, Robertson is expected to regain the closer position in Philadelphia.

The Yankees free agent reliever options are dwindling. David Robertson’s deal with the Phillies is reportedly for two years, $23 million — with a $12 million option for a third year that includes a $2 million buyout.

This departure marks the second time that the Yanks and Robertson were unable to reach an agreement; the first coming back in 2014 when he signed with the Chicago White Sox. Likely due to the excessive costs demanded by Robertson; the Yankees might have viewed his asking price as too high, but an irrational thought.

Robertson’s new contract will pay him $10 million next season, which is $3 million less than what he earned in 2018. So perhaps the Yanks were unsettled by the length of the contract.

More from Yanks Go Yard

• Yankees make upside play, sign former Rangers top prospect outfielder
• MLB insider claims favorite emerging in Bryan Reynolds rumors (not Yankees)
• Michael Kay’s Anthony Volpe story will get Yankees fans amped for Opening Day
• No, Yankees should not acquire Trevor Bauer for 2023
• Yankees’ Marwin González replaces Red Sox LF in Japan in logical next step

Two years for a 33-year-old reliever isn’t ideal, but it’s pretty close. The third-year option is a bit more than I’d be willing to part with, especially with $2 million basically guaranteed due to the buyout.

But overall, the contract isn’t too financially damaging, especially for a reliever of Robertson’s caliber.

The last time the Yanks passed up on “D-Rob,” they went out and re-acquired him through trade after two full seasons in Chicago’s South Side.

Robertson is worth the pay; a career 2.88 ERA with 874 SO in 657 IP while sporting a 1.145 WHIP over his 11 big league seasons. The Alabama native is also coming off an impressive year, despite a 3.23 ERA.

In 2018, batters hit .183 against Robertson, over 20 points lower than his career BAA. He also struck out 3.5 batters for every walk issued and he wasn’t even the Yankees closer.

On a team with a bullpen full of potential closers, it’s the guys who are willing to help win games in any way that make crucial differences.

Robertson will be missed in New York. His efforts never went unnoticed, but he’s moved onto dominating the late innings of baseball in his third set of pinstripes — this time in red.