Former Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins' Closer Signs Deal with World Series Champions
Longtime closer David Robertson has come to terms with the World Champion Texas Rangers.
Per Jeff Passan of ESPN:
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.
It's not known yet whether or not Robertson will be the closer for the Rangers, but you'd certainly think he will have a shot at it in spring training. The team used Aroldis Chapman in that role after acquiring him in a trade last season, but he faltered and ceded way to Jose LeClerc down the stretch. Chapman has since moved onto Pittsburgh, so it figures to be LeClerc and Robertson battling it out right now.
As Passan said, Robertson has experience, saving 175 games in his career. He came up with the New York Yankees and was the closer after Mariano Rivera retired. He since has moved onto the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and Miami Marlins.
He's coming off a season in which he went 6-6 for the Mets and Marlins with a 3.03 ERA. He had 14 saves for the Mets in 2023 but struggled after a trade to Miami. He had a 5.06 ERA in 22 games for the Marlins, who eventually replaced him as closer.
The Rangers finished second in the American League West last season before winning the World Series. They figure to remain in a tough battle with the Houston Astros in 2024.
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