The Philadelphia Phillies have signed veteran free-agent reliever David Robertson to a contract for the remainder of the season, the team announced Monday. The move aims to bolster a bullpen that ranks in the bottom third of the league as the team battles the New York Mets for the National League East title.
The 40-year-old right-hander will receive over $5 million on a prorated $16 million deal. The signing is also projected to cost the Phillies an additional $6.6 million in luxury tax, bringing the total investment to approximately $12.6 million.
Robertson, who has been optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley for a brief tune-up, is expected to make four or five minor league appearances before joining the major league club.
“He came in today, and it was like he hadn’t missed any time,” said manager Rob Thomson. “That’s just who he is. He’s a really good person, a really good teammate.”
This marks Robertson’s third stint with Philadelphia, having previously played for the team in 2019 and during their run to the 2022 World Series, where he posted a 1.17 ERA in eight postseason games.
“This place feels like home to me,” Robertson said. “We had a great run in ’22. It’s a good squad, a good opportunity for me… Hoping that I can bridge the gap there late in games and we can win some ball games.”
A 16-year veteran, Robertson became a free agent after declining a $7 million mutual option with the Texas Rangers last November. In 2024 with Texas, he recorded a 3.00 ERA with 99 strikeouts over 72 innings. Throughout his career, which includes a 2009 World Series title and a 2011 All-Star selection with the New York Yankees, Robertson holds a 2.91 ERA and 177 saves.
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