Despite securing closer Ryan Pressly, the Chicago Cubs are not yet finished enhancing their bullpen and are reportedly in talks to bring back veteran reliever David Robertson. Heading into the offseason, the Cubs identified improving their bullpen, particularly the back end, as a top priority. Their first move was acquiring Eli Morgan in a trade, and more recently, they made a significant addition by bringing in Pressly, the All-Star closer from the Houston Astros.
MLB insider Bruce Levine has reported that the Cubs have engaged in discussions with Robertson, who could return for the 2025 season. Robertson previously spent part of the 2022 season with Chicago, posting an impressive 2.23 ERA with 14 saves before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies for Ben Brown. The 39-year-old reliever has reportedly reached out to the Cubs about the possibility of returning, aiming to further strengthen their bullpen.
With Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer focusing on securing proven relievers this offseason, adding a seasoned veteran like Robertson would be a valuable addition to an otherwise young bullpen. In the 2024 season, Robertson made 68 appearances for the Texas Rangers, recording a solid 3.00 ERA and 34 holds over 72 innings. After declining his portion of a $7 million mutual option with the Rangers in November, Robertson entered free agency.
As he approaches his age-40 season, Robertson has accumulated an outstanding career 2.91 ERA, 31.9% strikeout rate, 196 holds, and 177 saves. An All-Star in 2011, Robertson is considered a future Hall of Famer, ranking second in games played (861), fifth in games finished (354), and seventh in active saves. His key role in the Yankees’ 2009 World Series victory further solidified his legacy. Remarkably durable throughout his career, Robertson has only missed the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. Given that the Cubs lost Adbert Alzolay to season-ending elbow surgery last year and struggled to find a consistent closer, Robertson’s reliability could be a tremendous asset for the team.
Robertson primarily relies on three pitches, including his signature cutter, which was ranked third in both total movement and run value last season. With a 33.3% strikeout rate in 2024, Robertson continues to be an elite strikeout pitcher, far exceeding the league average. Throughout his 16-year career, Robertson has averaged at least one strikeout per inning each season, a testament to his effectiveness on the mound.
Though Spotrac estimates Robertson’s market value at $7 million, it is worth noting that the self-represented reliever has not signed a deal for less than $10 million in eight of the past ten seasons. Even if his price is a bit higher than initially expected, adding Robertson to a Cubs bullpen already featuring Pressly, Morgan, Porter Hodge, Tyson Miller, and Julian Merryweather could give Chicago the depth and reliability they need to make a strong push for the postseason in 2025.
