The Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly agreed to terms of a two-year contract worth $23 million with free agent reliever David Robertson. Robertson’s contract also includes a third-year, $12 million club option with a $2 million buyout as well. Mark Feinsand of MLB Network reported the details of the contract, Jon Heyman of Fancred reported the deal was close.
Phillies are working hard on David Robertson. appears to be getting close.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 3, 2019
BREAKING: David Robertson has agreed to a two-year deal with the Phillies that guarantees him at least $23 million. He’ll earn $10M in 2019, $11M in 2020, with a $12M club option ($2M buyout) for 2021. He’s passed a physical and the deal is complete.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 3, 2019
Robertson spent 2018 with the New York Yankees, he appeared in 69 games totaling 69.2 innings, he featured a 3.23 ERA, 1.033 WHIP, 91 strikeouts, and he closed out five games for the Yankees. The Yankees were defeated by the Boston Red Sox in the 2018 ALDS, Robertson had one 2.2 inning appearance striking out six batters. He also threw a flawless inning in the 2018 AL Wildcard game.
For the Phillies, this move is a good depth role for their back-end bullpen. Bringing in Robertson means that their endgame pitchers are Robertson, Seranthony Dominguez, and Hector Neris. The Phillies now have an effective closer and a stronger back-end bullpen as they continue to try and piece together the team they think will give them that push to compete in the postseason.
