Aside from the offense, the bullpen was one of the New York Yankees’ biggest strengths in the past few years. In 2016, it was the trio of closer Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, and Dellin Betances, dubbed “No Runs DMC.” In 2017, Chapman and Betances, along with David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle, and Chad Green, held down the fort. In 2018, it was Chapman, Betances, Robertson, Green, Johnathon Holder, and former Orioles closer, Zach Britton.
Now, as 2019 draws near, the Yankee bullpen is in need of two reliable relievers. With several high profile options on the free agent market, it may be time for the Yankees brass to bring back a familiar player for another encore.
David Robertson: RHP
2018 Stats (NYY):
8-3, 3.23 ERA, 69 Games, 91 SO, 5 Saves, 69.2 IP, 1.033 WHIP, 1.0 WAR
David Robertson enters this offseason in an interesting position. Entering his age 34 season in 2019, he will represent himself in negotiations after splitting up with longtime agent Scott Leventhal. Robertson has an extensive history with the Yankees throughout his career, being picked by them in the 17th round of the 2006 draft.
He would become a permanent part of the bullpen in the Yankees 2009 championship campaign. In 2014, he would take over the closer’s role from surefire Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera. The following offseason, he would sign with the Chicago White Sox, recording 84 saves in two and a half seasons. Before the 2017 trade deadline, he would return to New York in a trade that included teammates Tommy Kahnle and Todd Fraizer.
Since the trade, Robertson is 13-3 with a 2.50 ERA and has allowed only 29 Earned Runs. Because of his success in his return to the Bronx, he has drawn interest from several teams, including the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Mets. This high level of interest makes it only more imperative that the Yankees retain Robertson.
D-Rob has a career 2.88 ERA and is well known for pitching out of bases-loaded jams. He also holds a career 3.36 K/BB ratio and a 1.145 WHIP. He won a World Series in 2009, along with making the 2011 AL All-Star team. A veteran right-hander, he can fortify any bullpen in any role. Finally, without a real agent to represent him, it’s possible for the Yankees to get him at their price tag.
Contract Prediction: 3 years, $30 million