The Angels have interest in adding right-hander David Robertson to the back of their bullpen, per MLB.com’s Jon Morosi (Twitter link). As he points out, Angels general manager Billy Eppler is quite familiar with Robertson due to his time as an assistant GM with the Yankees. While Robertson’s reported preference is to pitch in the northeastern part of the country — he’s an Alabama native but now resides in Rhode Island — the Angels could give him the opportunity to pitch in the ninth inning, which could well appeal to the self-represented veteran.
Robertson, 33, has been among the game’s most consistent relievers since emerging as a regular more than a decade ago. He’s totaled at least 60 innings and 60 appearances per season dating back to 2010 and hasn’t been on the disabled list since 2014, when he missed the minimum amount of time due to a mild groin strain. It stands to reason that for a team that has had an overwhelming barrage of injuries throughout the pitching staff, Robertson’s durability and consistency would hold extra appeal.
The Angels have run through a carousel of closers in recent seasons. Blake Parker, Cam Bedrosian, Keynan Middleton, Bud Norris, Huston Street, Andrew Bailey, Fernando Salas and Joe Smith have all logged at least six saves in a single season since 2016, and the Halos haven’t had a consistent ninth-inning presence since Street’s 40-save showing in 2015. Of that bunch, only Middleton (recovering from Tommy John surgery) and Bedrosian remain with the organization. Adding Robertson to the mix would give the Angels a much more definitive option at the back end of the ’pen and allow in-house closing candidates like Ty Buttrey, Justin Anderson and Bedrosian to pitch in a setup capacity.
Eppler and his staff have already made a pair of additions to the rotation, bringing both Matt Harvey and Trevor Cahill on board last week. Those two signings pushed the Angels’ projected Opening Day payroll to around $163MM, which is more or less in line with the Opening Day payrolls authorized by owner Arte Moreno in each of the past three seasons. Adding Robertson, or virtually any other free agent of note, would push the Angels to a new record in terms of Opening Day payroll, although they finished out the 2016 and 2017 seasons with year-end payrolls in excess of $180MM following trade deadline additions.
Don’t like the idea of spending big on a BP arm due to the volatility that comes with the job. On the flip side Robertson has been pretty steady over the years… Don’t think he’s ends up at the Big A
Very few RP’s are consistent year in year out like Robertson has been. He’s had 9 years of success
Angel make bad old signs (Pujols, Hamilton, etc) Now must take risk signs in present to overcome bad past, to compete, bring us an October Trout.
Like Robertson, come fill big big big BP hole in Anaheim.
Please cashman bring Robertson back !!!! v_v
Yankees still have openings in the bullpen. I havent heard anything about Yanks looking for BP arms. DRob has been one of my favorites and he is proven himself in big spots. Yanks would be foolish to let him sign elsewhere
I wouldn’t mind him on the Cubs.I’d rather have him than Harper.
They would have to overpay to the point of it not even being worth it. His 1st choice is Northeast mainly Boston and they need a closer. Then Yankees & Mets both need bullpen arms. Add to the fact he is from the south and the Braves need a closer and the report the Dodgers were interested at some point. So in other words he won’t be an Angel
Follow the money that will lead you to where Robertson will ultimately sign.
Robertson to Boston seems more likely, there is a need, and he wants to pitch in that region.
How far do you guys think Boston is from NYC?
He says geography is important to him but typically $$$ trump all.
Robertson house night conversation now, “Honey, let’s keep kids in this school, we love stability.” Big offer night conversation, “millions and millions?!?! Yes, our family love there! We sign!”
Go to Angel, we hope sometimes. My Tigers not a compete so we just want good baseball, more good teams, and get us October Trout!
I once had a baseball weekend where I flew into New York then Flew to Boston.
This was before 9-11, so it was really really close. After 9-11, it got a whole lot father apart.
Well, Robertson would certainly be cheaper than Kimbrel, and if the Sawks sign him, I think that would mean they’re officially out on Craig.
If the Angels sign Robertson to be their Closer, he will undoubtedly be the 3rd Closer on my Fantasy team. I already have Roberto Osuna & Corey Knebel as keepers.
Besides Roberson’s family this is his biggest concern.
Excellent.
I don’t play fantasy but I’d have a hard time rooting for Osuna in any capacity.
The Angels are a tired boxer throwing punches – no strategy. Free Mike Trout from this chaos, please.
do it!
I’m not sure why the Braves aren’t in on Robertson.
If I was a Braves fan, I would be disappointed in how they are always cheap when they have a window. They have been an exceptional franchise for awhile on scouting, but never pony up on free agents when it is time. I know they signed Donaldson, but they have the Payroll to do more and Donaldson comes off the books in one year. Corey Kluber trade makes too much sense for them, but like a lot of team’s they fall too in love with their own prospects. With a Kluber trade and Robertson sign I would have them high up on a WS possibility.
I’m a Braves fan and I am disappointed, I wanted 3 things CO, ace, and couple of relievers. We got Donaldson which is an upgrade if he performs but I was happy with Camargo. I think we are waiting for something to fall in our lap.
That’s the life of a fan of a team owned by a conglomerate like Liberty Media. They have absolutely no interest in the Braves other than whatever they provide for them in regards to tax relief or whatever it is. It makes me sick I long for the days of Ted Turner.
Hell end up in Boston..2yrs for $23M with a $1M buyout of a 3rd year $12M option
He’ll get 3 yrs guaranteed from some team and that’s where he’ll wind up.
Yeah. I agree. Im thinking 3 for 39m
He’s a must get for NY. That bullpen needs his steady arm. It’d be a shame if he goes elsewhere. That being said I think Boston gets him
Robertson has been overused by the Yanks the past 2 years. He was completely out of gas in the 2017 ALCS against Houston. Although I believe he has some good baseball left, I wouldn’t pay $12 – 13 million per year for it. If the Yanks don’t re-sign him, I wouldn’t be upset. I’d rather have Britton back.
I echo this exactly. Britton has less wear on his arm and is left handed. Robertson was used a lot the past two seasons and started having arm issues late last year. Bringing him back at 33 isn’t a huge priority for me, but neither is Ottavino.
I would like Britton and maybe Brad Brach or Adam Warren and be done with it.
He can just buy another house in Orange County and have a “home” in both places. Problem solved.
Moreno got burnt on Pujols and Hamilton and seems to have been gun shy since. I would like to see Mike Trout stay with the Angels, but not if Moreno is going to be cheap now. They need to sign Keuchel and another Gio, Miley, Hellickson type. See where that goes and can always trade for a closer if things are going right.
moreno got extra cool billion dollars just for signing pujols. and most of it is in his pocket.
Keuchel is starting to get past his prime and wants a 5 year deal. If that doesn’t scream “bad deal” like Pujols and Hamilton, I don’t know what does.
Keuchel is a ground ball pitcher which should play better in old age. I would not give 5, but I would give 4 at around 80. I hope the Reds can swing it.
Angels to overspend for free agents to get them here. They should trade Trout to try and re-energize this moribund franchise. That Puljos contract quite an albatross. That said Eppler has done a nice job given the constraints.
Angels are like a 60 y o woman having another face lift thinking it will make her young. Sorry to many wrinkles to cover up.
Angels sign Robertson to a big contract, tail end of his career. He goes down. They owe him big money… It’s a risk. If for Two Years, I’d Do It. Any more. . . Maybe trouble……. 2/26 including all incentives. And He’s the Closer……. I only say 26 mil because Angels need to pay in order to get pitchers… i.e. Harvey…….
Robertson has no desire to pitch on the West Coast. As someone who used to live in the New York area and now lives out west I cannot imagine why.
His wife and her family are from NE she calls the shots
BTW..They live about 1 1/2 hrs drive from Fenway. Just sayin
Yeah… the weather’s so much better there.
Weather only….and don’t you miss the snow. All the rain the bay area had would have been gorgeous snow instead of depressing sogginess. Plus watching the earth come to life in the spring in the northeast, and anywhere with a real winter, is invigorating.
“TrAdE tRoUt”
The Angels should get at least one big name in the pen. I’m fine if it’s Robertson!
As long as it’s not the Red Sox.
Robertson is a good choice if they can fit in the budget. Making a trade for an of/3b say for our right fielder and Bedrock would help. Trout will lead us to the WS very soon.
I’m think with the luxury tax going up to $207 million, the Angels will push their payroll a bit higher while still leaving a cushion for in-season acquisitions if they’re competing.
Forbes had all teams making over 206 in revenue last year.
There is a lot more to operating cost than payroll.
The Angels need bullpen help. He’s the most reliable of the at the cost. So Yes.. Tell him he’s the closer and lock him up.for three years 30 million.
He isnt going to the angels.
Im pretty sure he knows what he wants and thst it is achievable.
Guy has had a great career.
He stated what he wants.
I never know where a player is going. to go. I’m just saying for 3 years and 30 million dollars, that’s a good move for the Angels.
Get him halos!