Both the New York Mets and New York Yankees could use pitching reinforcements headed into August and September. Both New York clubs have among the highest payrolls in the sport of baseball and are both expected to make a deep playoff run this October. Both New York teams are in the middle of tight division races, with the Mets just 0.5 games back of the Philadelphia Phillies, and the Yankees a couple of games back of the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Yankees seemingly need pitching a little bit more than the Mets, considering how thin their rotation has gotten over the past few weeks, and every contending club could use bullpen help.
New York Teams Expected to Battle for David Robertson
Free agent reliever David Robertson is a familiar face to both the New York Yankees and New York Mets, which makes sense as to why both teams are in on the 40-year-old who has not pitched this season.
Will Sammon of The Athletic reports that Robertson could be an option for clubs that need bullpen help.
He last pitched for the Texas Rangers in 2024 and posted a 3.00 ERA in 72 innings. He also added 99 strikeouts to go along with a WHIP of 1.111. However, he had trouble in the closing role. Robertson declined a mutual option to re-sign with the Rangers for this season and is seeking a fair contract for his work. Now he has begun to throw for both the Mets and Yankees, both of whom are interested. The 16-year veteran features a diverse pitch mix, and since he is a fresh arm, that has led to the strong interest.
Robertson Likely Looking for a Contending Club
Robertson is looking to sign with a contending team in a playoff position, which comes as little surprise. It wouldn’t make sense for him to essentially come off the couch to pitch for a team that is not going to be in the playoffs. After a solid 2024 campaign, Robertson could sign near the July 31st deadline, which would act basically as a trade, with one of the New York clubs potentially getting a fresh bullpen arm.
In a piece by MLBTradeRumors.com, writer Steve Adams outlines that Robertson is seeking a deal that could be worth up to $10 million. He signed with the Texas Rangers for $11.5 million. Adams also notes that other teams like the Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and Detroit Tigers may also be interested in Robertson, which comes as no surprise, as those are all postseason clubs.
In 2024, the veteran still appeared to have some of his best stuff. His primary pitch, a cutter, still averaged around 93 mph, and his strikeout rate was an impressive 33%. He was really good for the New York Mets in 2023, recording 14 saves in 44 innings with a 2.05 ERA.
Robertson broke into the big leagues with the New York Yankees in 2008, and his lone All-Star appearance came with the team from the Bronx in 2011. Over his 16 seasons, he has found the best success with both teams from New York, which makes sense as to why both clubs are interested in him.
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