Philadelphia Phillies sign reliever David Robertson to 1-year contract
David Robertson is officially back with the Phillies for his third stint in Philadelphia. The Phillies signed veteran right-handed reliever David Robertson to a one-year contract Monday, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced.
Robertson was optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley, where he'll likely make a few appearances before being called up.
"We know he can handle pennant races, we know he can handle postseason play," Dombrowski said. "We're excited to get him."
Dombrowski said the goal is for Robertson to join the Phillies in about 15 days.
The Phillies will pay Robertson about $5.5 million on a pro-rated $16 million contract, . The deal will cost the Phillies approximately $12 million, including the 110% tax they have to pay on every dollar for being over the fourth luxury-tax threshold, according to The Athletic.
This will be Robertson's third time playing for the Phillies in his 16-year career. He signed a two-year deal with the Phillies before the 2019 season but only played in seven games. He suffered an elbow injury that later required Tommy John surgery.
Robertson was acquired again by the Phillies in July 2022, when the team made a run to the World Series and lost against the Houston Astros. He pitched 7 2/3 innings during the team's World Series run, including four appearances in the Fall Classic.
The 40-year-old has yet to pitch in a game in the 2025 season. He last pitched in a game in the 2024 season in September with the Texas Rangers. Last season, Robertson had a 3.00 ERA in 68 games and had two saves.
The Phillies have desperately needed help in the bullpen, and they will likely make more moves to upgrade their pitching before the trade deadline on July 31.
Philadelphia entered Sunday ranked 23rd in baseball in bullpen ERA.
Earlier in the season, the Phillies lost key reliever José Alvarado when he was suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
