Veteran reliever David Robertson signs with Phillies

Veteran right-handed reliever David Robertson is making his Philadelphia return, as he and the Phillies came to an agreement for the stretch drive of the season on Sunday. Robertson will earn more than $5 million on the deal, per multiple reports.

The longtime pitcher worked out for teams, and according to the New York Post, Robertson was impressive while throwing in the workouts in Providence, R.I.

The Phillies, who need relief arms for their playoff push, signed the 2009 World Series winner to a prorated deal of around $16 million, according to multiple outlets.

Robertson previously played for the Phillies in 2019, but his season was ended prematurely by Tommy John surgery after seven appearances.

He later rejoined Philadelphia in 2022, making 22 relief appearances with a 2.70 ERA. In the playoffs, he posted a 1.17 ERA over 7 2/3 innings to help the Phillies reach the World Series, where they fell to the Houston Astros.

The New York Yankees and New York Mets, where he also previously pitched, were rumored to be among the teams that Philadelphia beat out for his services.

Robertson, 40, had been a free agent since the conclusion of the 2024 season. He went 3-4 with a 3.00 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 72 innings over 68 relief appearances for the Texas Rangers last season.

Robertson has 177 career saves and a 2.91 ERA over 860 relief appearances and one save over 16 big league seasons. He has a 66-46 record.

He has had two tours of duty with the Yankees, including the first seven seasons of his career from 2008-14. He won a league title in 2009 and was an All-Star in 2011. Robertson also spent part of 2017 and all of 2018 with the Yankees.

Robertson pitched part of the 2023 season with the Mets.

Robertson also has pitched for the Chicago White Sox (2015-17), Tampa Bay Rays (2021), Chicago Cubs (2022) and Miami Marlins (2023).

--Field Level Media