The defending World Series champions are reportedly bolstering their bullpen with a former Mets closer. According to a report from ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Rangers have agreed to a one-year deal with David Robertson in the $11-$12 million range. The deal is pending a physical.
David Robertson. Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
Robertson, 37, split the 2023 season between the Mets and the Miami Marlins. Between the two clubs, the veteran righty recorded 18 saves (14 with New York and four with Miami). He struck out 78 and had a WHIP of 1.19 through 65 1/3 innings pitched.
Over the course of his career, the 5-foot-11 Robertson is 63-42 with a 2.90 ERA and 175 career saves. He struck out 1,055 over the course of 804 2/3 innings pitched.
The Mets traded Robertson to Miami last July for prospects Marco Vargas and catcher Ronald Hernandez. Vargas ranked sixth and Hernandez ranked 20th in MMO’s Mike Mayer’s ranking of the top 75 Mets prospects for 2024.
Robertson is no stranger to the American League having played the majority of his career with the New York Yankees (2008-2014, 2017-2018) and Chicago White Sox (2015-2017). He also spent time with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021. He will now join his former Mets’ teammate Max Scherzer in Texas as they look to go back-to-back.
With Robertson off the board, the options are continuing to thin for top-level relievers on the market. The Mets have been linked to veteran Ryne Stanek, but will have competition from at least two other big-market clubs for his services.
