When the Texas Rangers won the World Series in 2023, they did so despite having a bullpen that struggled through much of the season, ranking 24th in reliever’s ERA. On Thursday, they reportedly made a move to bolster the bullpen.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported on Thursday that the Rangers and veteran reliever David Robertson were in agreement on a contract.
Passan added that it’s a “one-year contract in the $11-12 million range.”
Right-handed reliever David Robertson and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a one-year contract in the $11-12 million range, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. The World Series champs bulk up their bullpen with the veteran closer who has 175 career saves.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 26, 2024
Robertson appeared in 62 games in 2023, pitching for both the New York Mets and Miami Marlins. His overall numbers were solid. Robertson pitched 65.1 innings over 62 outings in 2023, posting a 3.03 ERA, 1.194 WHIP and 75 strikeouts, for a K/9 rate of 10.7.
It was also a tale of two seasons.
With the Mets, Robertson was one of baseball’s most effective relievers. He put up a 2.05 ERA, 1.00 WHIP while striking out 48 hitters over 44 innings.
His strikeout rate increased after getting traded to the Marlins in late-July, going from 9.8 K/9 with New York to 12.7 with Miami. Unfortunately for Robertson, most of his other numbers also got bigger with the trade. In 21.1 innings over 22 appearances, Robertson had a 5.06 ERA and 1.594 WHIP.
Control was a big issue for Robertson with the Marlins. He walked 12 hitters over those 21.1 innings for a BB/9 rate of 5.1. By contrast, despite pitching far fewer innings, he walked only one more hitter with the Mets, issuing 13 free passes in the 44 innings for a far better 2.7 BB/9 rate.
There is, of course, some concern when a pitcher struggles later in the season. This is especially true with someone like Robertson, who will turn 39 in April. But small sample sizes can wreak havoc on the numbers of relief pitchers. Based on what they’re reportedly paying him, the Rangers clearly think that the New York version of Robertson is more likely to show up in 2024.
[Jeff Passan on Twitter/X]
