Phillies Secure David Robertson with One-Year Deal

The Philadelphia Phillies have finalized a one-year contract with right-handed reliever David Robertson, as reported on Sunday. The agreement is set to pay Robertson approximately $5.5 million, part of a pro-rated $16 million deal. This arrangement will ultimately cost the Phillies around $12 million due to the 110% tax imposed for exceeding the fourth luxury-tax threshold.

Robertson's return marks his third stint with the Phillies during his 16-year career. Previously, he signed a two-year contract with the team before the 2019 season but only appeared in seven games due to an elbow injury that necessitated Tommy John surgery. His most recent tenure with the Phillies was during the 2022 season, where he contributed to the team's journey to the World Series, ultimately falling to the Houston Astros.

At 40 years old, Robertson has not yet taken the mound in the 2025 season, with his last appearance occurring in September 2024 while playing for the Texas Rangers. In the previous season, he recorded a 3.00 ERA over 68 games and secured two saves.

The Phillies are in urgent need of bullpen reinforcement, especially after losing key reliever José Alvarado, who received an 80-game suspension without pay for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance earlier this season. As of Sunday, Philadelphia ranked 23rd in Major League Baseball for bullpen ERA, indicating a pressing need for further improvements before the trade deadline on July 31.

With Robertson's experience and past contributions, the Phillies hope to bolster their pitching staff and enhance their chances as they navigate the remainder of the season.