PHILADELPHIA -- This deal made sense for everybody.
The Phillies on Monday announced they signed free-agent right-hander David Robertson to a prorated $16 million contract for the remainder of the season. Robertson should immediately improve a bullpen that needs serious help, even with suspended left-hander José Alvarado returning next month, a Phillies starter expectedly moving to the bullpen in the coming months and another reliever potentially coming before the July 31 Trade Deadline.
“We know he can handle pennant races; we know he can handle postseason play,” Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said at Citizens Bank Park. “We’re excited to get him.”
The Phillies will pay a 110 percent tax penalty on Robertson’s salary because they are over the fourth luxury tax threshold, but paying cash beats trading prospects like Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford, Eduardo Tait, Aroon Escobar and Mick Abel. The Phils might still trade those prospects to acquire a lockdown closer and a bat before next week’s Deadline, but this at least allowed them to add one reliever without sacrificing talent.
“We’re never looking to move prospects,” Dombrowski said. “We’ll be open-minded to do other things, but the reality is … that’s what’s great when you have an owner like John Middleton and he says, ‘Well, the difference is, it’s cash. Let’s go ahead and spend the cash and get that done, rather than moving some prospects for somebody.’”
For Robertson, 40, it’s another chance to win a World Series.
“This place feels like home to me,” he said. “We had a great run in ‘22.”
This is Robertson’s third stint with the Phillies. He first signed a two-year contract as a free agent before the 2019 season, but he made just seven appearances with a 5.40 ERA before needing season-ending elbow surgery.
He rejoined the Phillies at the 2022 Trade Deadline, helping them reach the World Series. He had a 1.17 ERA in 7 2/3 innings in the ‘22 postseason, including four scoreless innings in the World Series.
He has a 3.04 ERA in 47 1/3 innings in his postseason career.
The Phillies optioned Robertson to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he will spend the next couple weeks building arm strength before joining the bullpen. He can be recalled no earlier than Aug. 5, because optioned players need to spend 15 days in the Minor Leagues -- unless there is an injury.
Robertson said he needs three or four appearances before being ready to face big league hitters. His fastball hovered in the 88-90 mph range in Saturday’s bullpen session in front of scouts in Providence, R.I.
It was the second time the Phillies had seen him pitch in recent weeks.
The Phils believe Robertson’s velocity will improve, likening his current readiness to the middle of Spring Training.
Robertson pitched well for Texas in 2024, striking out 99 and posting a 3.00 ERA in 72 innings. He made $11.5 million. He looked for a raise this offseason, but he never found an offer he liked.
So, he waited to see what developed in the summer.
Robertson said he spent the past few months at home in Rhode Island with his family, shuttling his kids back and forth from school, cooking dinner and playing tennis.
But the itch to pitch remained.
“I’m good at doing it, and I want to keep doing it,” Robertson said. “I just can’t stop. I want to keep going until I can’t throw a baseball anymore. The league hasn’t told me yet that I’m not good enough to play anymore. I haven’t been told to go home.”
Now he’s back with the Phillies, who desperately need him to pitch well.
“It’s a good squad,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for me. It’s a good bullpen to mix into, a great starting staff. I’m hoping I can bridge the gap there late in the game, win some ballgames and get back into the postseason.”