PHILADELPHIA — On July 11, scouts from eight competing teams, including the Phillies, gathered at Bryant University in Rhode Island to witness veteran pitcher David Robertson throw about 30 pitches. At 40 years old, Robertson showcased his skills, generating interest from teams like the Dodgers, Mets, Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Tigers. His notable 2.91 ERA over 16 seasons underscores the respect he commands within the league and the urgency among contenders facing a tight trade deadline on July 31.
Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski acknowledged the unusual situation where many teams are still in playoff contention, leading to a scarcity of desirable trade options. The Phillies have signaled a willingness to consider significant trades involving their top prospects, having taken proactive steps by engaging in scouting potential targets earlier than previous years. Unfortunately, the trade market has remained almost stagnant.
Robertson, whose fastball sat at 88-90 mph during workouts, is viewed as a strategic addition, especially for the Phillies’ bullpen. After scouting reports highlighted his potential, the Phillies quickly expressed a strong interest. Robertson’s contract, worth approximately $5.5 million—with luxury tax implications bringing the tally to nearly $12 million—serves as a solution to issues faced in the offseason’s bullpen configurations.
The Phillies have experienced a season characterized by a healthy bullpen, notably losing José Alvarado to an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. Dombrowski, however, remains confident in the bullpen’s composition despite some hiccups, particularly regarding recent acquisitions like Jordan Romano.
While Robertson’s addition is designed to bolster the bullpen, the Phillies are exploring additional roster improvements, particularly in their struggling outfield. As of now, the Phillies’ outfield has posted a dismal .519 OPS in July, indicating an ongoing offensive challenge.
Team sources indicate that Justin Crawford, a promising 21-year-old prospect, could be a viable internal solution. His performance at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he boasts a .325 average, positions him as a potential contributor if not inhibited by a subsequent outfield acquisition.
As the team weighs its options, there is a cautiously optimistic atmosphere surrounding Robertson’s potential impact as he prepares for a brief stint in the minors before joining the big league roster. His experience and abilities may provide the Phillies with the depth they need in critical moments, particularly as they look ahead to August and toward the postseason.
The team’s strategic adjustments reflect a careful balance of patience and ambition, looking to enhance their bullpen while assessing the best time for roster changes. There is a potential for internal talent like Crawford to emerge, coinciding with the Phillies’ critical stretch of games as they pursue a successful season. Following this dynamic, Dombrowski’s acknowledgment of scouting and potential pitching strategies, including utilizing top prospects like Andrew Painter and Mick Abel, illustrates a forward-thinking approach to navigating the intricate trade landscape.
Robertson’s determination to continue his career and contribute meaningful innings reflects a shared desire within the organization to contend effectively. The coming weeks will be crucial for the Phillies as they navigate this busy period of the season, with the hope of strengthening their roster and positioning themselves for a strong postseason run.