Aug 30, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher David Robertson against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Phillies have yet to lose since José Alvarado was suspended 80 games for a failed PED test last weekend, but it remains clear that they are multiple arms short in the bullpen, especially considering Alvarado won't be eligible for the postseason.
One name that's been bandied about as a possible addition is David Robertson, who would be returning for a third stint with the Phillies if signed. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reported that prior to Alvarado's suspension becoming public, the Phillies "reached out" to Robertson. He added that "no serious talks took place," but the report got the wheels turning in the heads of Phillies fans as to whether the former All-Star would be a good fit.
Naturally, the follow-up question when Robertson is discussed is to ask why it's Memorial Day Weekend and he's not currently employed. USA Today's Bob Nightengale shed some light on what might be holding up Robertson in his recent notes column:
Teams who inquired on veteran reliever David Robertson during the winter say he was seeking a one-year, $15 million deal. He has no plans to sign with a team now unless he receives a strong offer.
To Robertson's credit, he posted a 3.00 ERA and 2.65 FIP across 68 games last season for the Texas Rangers. Yes, he's 40 years old. But he was really good a year ago. In fact, since Tommy John surgery essentially derailed Robertson's first go-round with the Phillies, he's got a 2.92 ERA and 3.26 FIP in 200 appearances spanning four seasons.
Robertson — who acts as his own agent — is well within his rights to believe that he's deserving of a lucrative deal. With that said, $15 million is steep, especially considering most teams who either have or had interest in him likely would envision him as a setup man, not their closer. That's the role he served in for the Rangers a year ago.
It's possible that after 16 MLB seasons, Robertson — who regularly had his young son around him during his second stint with the Phillies in 2022 — is content to stay home with his family if he doesn't get the price he's asking for. But if he's intent on pitching again, he's probably overplayed his hand.
The other reality here is that whatever price Robertson had in mind in the offseason is really irrelevant now that he's probably only going to pitch about half the season, if at all. Even if he signed today, he probably wouldn't be ready to go until around July.
None of this is to say that the Phillies — or any other team in need of bullpen reinforcements — shouldn't continue to consider Robertson. But if he wants to continue his career, he's probably going to need to be more realistic with his asking price.
