With the trade deadline around the corner, the Braves could look to free agency to fill voids before the season becomes lost. One available arm looking for a new home for a potential 2025 debut is veteran right-handed reliever and former All-Star, David Robertson, as the forty-year-old plans to work out for teams as soon as next week, per The Athletic's Will Sammon.
These teams are likely to include the Yankees and Mets, among other usual buyers at this time of year. However, the Braves should take a serious look at signing Robertson to strengthen the back end of the bullpen for the run Atlanta is hoping to put together.
Braves Should Seriously Consider Signing David Robertson
Sitting 9.5 games back of a wild card spot entering the second half of the season, this move could potentially put the Braves on the right track to make up some of those games before deadline decision time.
Robertson, a 2011 All-Star with the New York Yankees, has also seen stints with the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, and Miami Marlins. Robertson spent last season with the Texas Rangers, where he posted a 3.00 ERA in 72 innings pitched, with 99 strikeouts compared to just 27 walks, for a season WAR of 1.7. This continued production at his age could serve as a great benefit to the bullpen in the second half of the season.
The veteran turned down an offer for $7 million from the Texas Rangers to return for the 2025 season, opting instead for the $1.5 million buyout to set himself up as a free agent. This decision has kept Robertson out of a position on a roster this season so far, with no team willing to meet his reported $10 million price tag, as reported in April by Mark Polishuk of MlbTradeRumors.com. A pro-rated contract at that value could mean Robertson is available for less than $4 million for the remainder of the season, a bargain considering the production he could bring.
The Braves' bullpen currently sits on a 3.55 ERA, currently ranked seventh in MLB, but has only secured 14 saves so far, ranking 29th in the league, ahead of only the Chicago White Sox. The veteran leadership and experience of Robertson could prove valuable for the tribe as they look to put together a series of wins to start the second half on the right note, to be in contention moving forward.