Do you think you’ve seen it all in free agency? Then, it’s best to think again.
Because while on one hand, there were free agents who got signed with unthinkable contracts, there are some who are still in the market. And David Robertson is one of them. Last season, notably, 51 relief pitchers made 65 or more appearances out of their team’s bullpen. There were only two of them who were above 37 years old.
One was Daniel Hudson, who retired a champion with the Los Angeles Dodgers. And if you guessed it right—the other is David Robertson. He is ready for his 17th season with MLB this time around. Except, he doesn’t know where he will head. And this is surprising, because despite his age, he is a top-notch reliever.
Just a friendly reminder that David Robertson posted the second-best strikeout total of his career last year and is still a free-agent on the last day of February pic.twitter.com/uDpsWXpENW
— MLB Deadline News (@MLBDeadlineNews) February 28, 2025
If you compare all relievers above the age of 37 or older, David Roberston has led both in appearance and innings. He only finished behind Kirby Yates. And last season, with his 68 appearances on the mound, he proved age is just a number. It was his most since 2018. And he didn’t just make it to the diamond; he even put out a strong stat of 3.00 ERA in 72 innings.
Moreover, it hasn’t been an easy way for David Robertson till here. Because at one point in 2019, it looked like Tommy John surgery might have cost him his career. Three seasons he was sidelined—a huge timeline for a player. But despite the odds, he made it back in 2022. And he has proven his worth.
Even so, he still is on the open market. It’s an eyebrow-raiser for sure, and it’s not like teams won’t benefit from having him. Below are teams who could make great use of him in the bullpen. And they might go to regret it if they don’t clinch him.
Teams that might wish wish they signed David Robertson
Houston Astros
The Astros are trying their best to get back to their winning days. They have a new way of looking at things, and they have made notable moves this offseason. Although they did end up losing Bregman, as they are really not a team that holds on to expensive players. But they have a problem, or rather, a gap. They had traded away Ryan Pressly, and they are now having to rely on Josh Hader as their primary closer.
Now no doubt Josh Hader is an elite player, but his major issue has been his inconsistency. Last season, it was on full display. This is where David Robertson can be a huge difference maker, because he has been steady and he is durable. Like in the past three seasons, he has compiled a 2.82 ERA across 201 innings. So he is not showing signs of slowing down. Double that with his ability to pitch in any role, whether a setup man or middle-line inning stopper or a fill-in closer—it’s like a bingo for a team. Almost like an insurance policy for the Astros bullpen.
New York Mets
No one is a stranger to the fact that the Mets have spent heavily this season. They got in Griffin Canning, Clay Holmes, Frankie Montas, and a guy called Juan Soto! However, even then, while one side of the offense is sorted, they too have a gap. They, after all, have sent their right-handed Jose Urena to a minor league deal. Edwin Diaz is for sure back to take care of the ninth innings, but apart from him, the depth is kind of thin.
This is where David Robertson can step in. And let’s be honest—he has already thrived nicely under the New York lights. In 2023, he posted a 2.05 ERA in 40 appearances for the New York Mets before he was traded. So he can handle the big pressure and the moments. And moreover, he has the ability to rack up strikeouts, and the Mets need a dependable arm in these games. Plus, even Robertson at this age is chasing the final times he can win the ring. And the Mets give the perfect opportunity.
Cincinnati Reds
The Cincinnati Reds have taken strides towards contention as a good team. But their bullpen still has some glaring holes. They had traded away Fernando Cruz in exchange for catcher Jose Trevino from the New York Yankees. But in the process, they thinned out their relief corps, and they need an experienced arm that can handle the high-leverage innings. This is where Robertson just fits in this puzzle perfectly.
With his 68 appearances, his most in six years, David Robertson has shown everyone that he can still shoulder the heavy work. Sure, there aren’t many examples like him, but he has proven himself with his 3.00 ERA and 132 ERA+. He is not just a serious innings eater but also an impact reliever. His sheer ability to suppress the home runs (0.6 HR/9) he has would be a valuable asset for the Reds. So, if they want change and want to close out on games, a veteran presence like him is something that should make all the difference.
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians bullpen was undoubtedly one of the best of the 2024 season. And more or less, much of the bullpen remains the same. But they are looking for internal options to fill in the role of a long reliever like Slade Cecconi. So it does seem like they have a gap in their lineup. But the problem is Cecconi struggled last season with his 6.66 ERA. Relying on unproven arms is too much of a risk.
They need reliable arms, and David Robertson fits pretty well. Robertson has a 2.65 FIP and a record of really stepping up in the postseason scene. Everyone saw his run with the Phillies. So he would be a good upgrade for the team. Moreover, his ability to keep the ball in the park is a no-brainer.
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs for sure are entering this season, hoping to shake off the bullpen errors of last season. In 2024, holding onto a lead felt like holding sand for them. The relief corps just couldn’t close the deal. This season they have brought some fresh change—quite literally. Their bullpen is packed with new faces like Porter Hodge and Julian Merryweather. Even Ryan Brasier was brought in to rev things in the middle innings.
But with so much youth, they need a veteran in the mix. At 39, David Robertson fills in those shoes perfectly. He can bring in that healthy mix much needed in the clubhouse. And the youngsters can always learn more from him. Has played for years on end now, and not to mention played well.
David Robertson has proven his mettle over the last few seasons. And for the five teams, passing on him could be a costly mistake. Tell us if you are even still shocked to see him in free agency, despite his strong 2024 season.
The post David Robertson Is Still a Free Agent—and These 5 MLB Teams Are Making a Huge Mistake appeared first on EssentiallySports.
