Former Mets Reliever Signs With Rangers
A former New York Met has found a new home.
On Thursday, ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that relief pitcher David Robertson has signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, ranging between $11-12 million. The deal is still pending a physical.
The now 38-year-old Robertson was brought in by the Mets for the 2023 season, intending to use him as a setup man for Edwin Díaz. However, Díaz tore his patellar tendon during the World Baseball Classic, causing him to miss the entire season; Robertson subsequently won the closer job.
Although the Mets endured a brutally disappointing season, Robertson was a bright spot. Before being traded to the Miami Marlins, he went 4-2 with a 2.05 ERA and 1.000 WHIP, picking up 14 saves in 17 opportunities and 48 strikeouts against only 13 walks. He also achieved a noteworthy milestone on May 12, when he became only the 14th relief pitcher in MLB history to strike out 1,000 batters.
Looking to capitalize on his value, the Mets shipped Robertson from Queens to Miami on July 28, getting infielder prospect Marco Vargas and switch-hitting catcher prospect Ronald Hernandez in return. Robertson struggled immensely with the Marlins in his first month, with a 9.00 ERA in August, which led to his demotion from the closer role. He restabilized in September, though, and pitched scoreless outings in 10 of his 11 appearances in September as a setup man to help the Marlins make the postseason.
When Robertson and the Marlins played the Mets during that September homestretch, Robertson mentioned that he was open to returning to the Mets during the ensuing offseason "if the opportunity is right".
However, he has chosen to join the defending World Series champion Rangers instead. Robertson is pursuing his second World Series championship, having won his first with the Mets' crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees, in 2009.
With Robertson no longer available, the Mets are now hoping for Edwin Díaz to stay healthy and be their closer for 2024.
