Breaking Free Agent Signing: David Robertson Has Agreed to Deal For Rest of 2025

July 20, 2025 , ,


Of all the relievers that could be available at the trade deadline at the end of this month, elite high-leverage veteran David Robertson could be better than all of them. And the Philadelphia Phillies didn't have to give up a single prospect. 

Robertson, a free agent, has signed a one-year deal for a whopping $16 million — though that's pro-rated for the balance of the 2025 season, which works out to about $5.5 million. 

Robertson, 40, held another throwing session for major league clubs in Providence, RI yesterday, and word is he looked very good, per Jon Heyman. For the Phillies, who are desperate for a back-of-the-bullpen reliever, it was certainly good enough.

The 16-year veteran had been sitting out the season until now, waiting for the right offer from the right team. A third engagement with the Phillies, where he spent the beginning of 2019 and the last part of 2022, was the answer.

He spent last season with the Texas Rangers, where, at the age of 39, he left no doubt that he's still got it, pitching to a 3.00 ERA in 68 innings, with a 1.11 WHIP and a 12.4 strikeouts per nine.

The Phillies' bullpen can certainly use the help. They sit 23rd in the majors in relief ERA. Their season-opening closer, José Alvarado, is still serving an 80-game suspension for PED use. And while he is scheduled to return in August, he will not be eligible for the playoffs.

Robertson has 177 career saves, a 2.91 ERA, and an 11.8 K/9 vs 3.7 BB/9 ratio. He started the 2019 season with the Phillies, but lasted just seven outings before having to undergo Tommy John surgery. After being re-acquired at the deadline in 2022, he recorded six saves with the team, with a 2.70 ERA.


Photo: © Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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