David Robertson has been fantastic taking over for Mariano Rivera as the Yankees’ closer, converting 31-of-33 save chances with a 2.62 ERA, .191 opponents’ batting average, and 71 strikeouts in 45 innings.
None of which should be a surprise, because for five seasons Robertson was one of the elite setup men in baseball. However, with free agency right around the corner this offseason it’s definitely ideal timing for Robertson, who looks set to cash in big on the open market at age 29.
He might end up re-signing with the Yankees, but it’ll cost them a whole lot more than it would have six months ago when Robertson was apparently willing to give them a hometown discount. Here’s what he recently told George King of the New York Post:
I thought the calls would come but at this point right now I am going to wait and see how the season plays out. It would have to be a legit offer at this point of the year. This offseason I probably would have gone for a discount, although I wasn’t a closer.
New York has another stud setup man in Dellin Betances, but it’ll be interesting to see if the Yankees outbid everyone else to keep Robertson at a premium price tag.
