The Philadelphia Phillies know one of their biggest issues remains the bullpen. Their rotation — led by Zack Wheeler — can’t carry the load alone, and the team may have found some help with a recent addition.
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Phillies have reached an agreement with David Robertson on a one-year deal worth $16 million. He’ll receive a prorated portion of that salary for the remainder of the season. Robertson is no stranger to Philadelphia — or the NL East — having previously pitched for both the Phillies and Mets, as well as the Yankees and several other clubs.
“Right-handed reliever David Robertson and the Philadelphia Phillies are in agreement on a one-year deal, as Ken Rosenthal reported. Robertson will receive more than $5 million for the rest of the season on his deal, which is for a prorated $16 million. Phillies need RP badly,” reported Jeff Passan on X.
Positive Reactions to Robertson’s Return
So far, the reaction to Robertson’s return to Philadelphia has been mostly positive. Tim Kelly of On Pattison said the signing makes sense for a team that needs immediate bullpen help.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 28: David Robertson #30 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates after beating the Houston Astros 6-5 in 10 innings in Game One of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 28, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“I think this makes sense considering A) he pitched well last year and B) doesn’t require giving up prospects. He’s almost certainly not going to be the pickup, but the Phillies need multiple additions in the arm barn,” Kelly wrote on X.
No 2025 Action Yet for Robertson
It’s worth noting that Robertson hadn’t been with any MLB team in 2025 before this deal. He last pitched for the Rangers in 2024, appearing in 68 games with a 3.00 ERA. Prior to that, he spent time with the Mets (2023), Phillies (2022), and Yankees — where he debuted in 2008 and pitched through 2014, and then again in 2017–2018. He hasn’t thrown a pitch this year, not even at the minor league level.
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