After rejecting a qualifying offer to remain with the New York Yankees, right-handed pitcher David Robertson has found a new employer in the Chicago White Sox.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Robertson has signed a four-year contract worth more than $10 million per season, switching teams for the first time in his MLB career:
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports provided further clarification on how much money Robertson will be getting from Chicago:
Robertson, who was previously used as a relief pitcher, became the Yankees’ closer this past year, posting 39 saves in 44 attempts.
Robertson’s somewhat inconsistent results can be attributed to his tendency to walk batters, though he did record 96 strikeouts in just 64.1 innings in 2014. That had to play a part in New York’s decision not to commit to Robertson long-term, as he had just moved into a new role.
Jason Catania of Bleacher Report weighed in once Robertson refused the Yankees’ one-year, $15.3 million deal:
It remains to be seen whether Robertson will be deployed as a closer for the White Sox, given that he’s been quite prolific in a middle-relief role for the majority of his days in the big leagues. When Robertson was named an All-Star in 2011, he had a sensational 1.08 ERA that year in 70 appearances. But considering the large amount of money he will now be making, odds are he’ll be the closer moving forward.
Whatever role Robertson assumes moving forward, Chicago has definitely bolstered its bullpen with a proven veteran who thrived amid the pressure of playing in the unforgiving New York media market. Being the temporary successor to legendary Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is proof of that.
If Robertson can continue to polish his mechanics and cut down on the walks, he has room to improve and become a multiple-time All-Star.
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