Tony Cutillo
The Phillies have finally made a significant move for a badly depleted bullpen. They have agreed to a two-year, $23 million contract with free agent reliever David Robertson. Details from Mark Feinsand of MLB.com below:
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
As we take a look at the 33-year-old Robertson, it doesn’t take much convincing to show he has been among the game’s most consistent relievers since 2010. His career started with Yankees in 2008, fit in a pit-stop in Chicago, and then he was shipped back to don the pinstripes once again. He’s totaled at least 60 innings and 60 appearances per season and hasn’t been on the disabled list since 2014. The man is extremely durable and dependable, which is the epitome of what you need in your bullpen.
His numbers last year were excellent for the Bronx Bombers. They included a 3.23 ERA with 11.8 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, 0.9 HR/9 and a 45.3 percent ground-ball rate in 69 2/3 innings. He averaged at least 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings in all four seasons of his expiring contract. One of his standout seasons was just a season ago when he tallied a 1.84 ERA, 12.9 K/9, and 3.0 BB/9. I think the entire Phillies fanbase would take that kind of production.
The Phillies have been outbid by almost any arm they’ve tried to pull during this hot stove period, but this was one they didn’t miss. There is plenty more work to do, but solidifying the back end of the bullpen is a nice start. Now onto Bryce Harper, please!
Jigsaw
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