David Robertson, the veteran free agent reliever, has been showcasing his skills to interested teams in recent days, according to reports by Will Sammon of The Athletic. The reliever, who formerly played for both the New York Mets and Yankees, is under consideration for a potential return to one of those teams as they explore signing him. Other clubs are also slated to watch his upcoming throwing sessions, indicating a renewed interest in the seasoned pitcher.
At 40 years old, Robertson has not yet signed with a team since the end of the 2024 season. Despite a solid performance last year, where he logged 72 innings with a 3.00 ERA while striking out 33.4% of opposing hitters, he hasn’t received offers that met his expectations. Similar situations have arisen for other seasoned players like Lance Lynn, who decided to retire, and J.D. Martinez, who remains unsigned but has attracted interest from teams like the Rangers.
Robertson’s absence from a new contract isn’t due to diminished performance; rather, his statistics from the 2024 season reflect an impressive level of play. He recorded 34 holds and two saves, maintaining an average fastball velocity of 93.3 mph—a personal best. His career averages and results suggest he still has much to offer.
Previously, Robertson sought a $10 million annual salary this winter and earned $11.5 million with the Texas Rangers last year. The Philadelphia Phillies had expressed interest in him earlier in the season, especially after losing reliever Jose Alvarado to a lengthy suspension. Given the ongoing desire for bullpen reinforcements, the Phillies might still be considering bringing Robertson back into the mix.
Robertson is likely focusing on joining a contending team as he explores potential offers, with the Yankees, Mets, and Phillies emerging as top contenders. Other teams like the Tigers, Cubs, Astros, Blue Jays, Brewers, and Mariners are also heavily positioned for the postseason and could consider adding him to bolster their bullpens.
Overall, Robertson’s intent to continue playing and the renewed interest from multiple teams hints at a promising chapter ahead in his career, showcasing that experience and talent still hold significant value in the league.