The Philadelphia Phillies have reached an agreement with free-agent reliever David Robertson, according to a source. The deal, pending a physical, will pay Robertson a prorated $16 million for the remainder of the season. The Phillies will incur a 110 percent tax on his prorated salary due to being over the fourth luxury tax threshold. The club has not confirmed the deal yet.
This marks Robertson’s third stint with the Phillies. He previously pitched for them in 2022 after being acquired from the Cubs at the Trade Deadline. He initially joined Philadelphia as a free agent before the 2019 season but made only seven appearances before requiring elbow surgery.
Robertson had a strong season in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, striking out 99 batters and posting a 3.00 ERA over 72 innings. He has accumulated 177 career saves and owns a career ERA of 2.91.
The Phillies’ bullpen has struggled this year, recording a 4.33 ERA, which ranks them 23rd in Major League Baseball. Robertson is expected to join Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm as key arms in high-leverage situations.
José Alvarado will be eligible to return from an 80-game suspension on August 19 but will not be eligible for postseason play if the Phillies qualify. The team is also considering moving a starter into the bullpen for postseason games and is actively looking to add a closer by July 31.
Robertson brings extensive postseason experience, holding a career ERA of 3.04 over 47â…“ innings in playoff games. In the Phillies’ 2022 postseason run, he delivered four scoreless innings during the World Series.
