Cubs free agent target: David Robertson

David Robertson used to be one of the best relievers in the American League. Through 2013 he was the primary setup man for Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, then he posted three straight years of 30+ saves in 2014, 2015 and 2016, the first for the Yankees, the latter two for the White Sox.

Robertson signed with the Phillies for the 2019 season and pitched in just seven games for them before being shut down after April 14 and eventually having Tommy John surgery in August 2019. He didn’t pitch at all in 2020, rehabbing from the surgery.

Now, a report out of Alabama says that Robertson is having a throwing session for teams in Tuscaloosa, where he played his college ball, later today:

Former Alabama relief pitcher David Robertson is set to throw a bull-pen session in front of major league teams on Thursday, Feb. 11th at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

The Tuscaloosa native attended Central High School as well as Paul W. Bryant High School before lacing up at The Joe for the Crimson Tide.

The linked report says “many teams” will be in attendance. I hope the Cubs are one of them.

Robertson turns 36 in April, but if he’s healthy following TJS, he could be a great addition to the Cubs bullpen this year. He could set up for Craig Kimbrel and even close if Kimbrel again has the yips, as he has had previously in his Cubs career.

I wouldn’t think it would take too much money to sign a guy like this coming off TJS. Perhaps the Cubs could offer an incentive-laden deal based on appearances and/or games finished.

I suppose we’ll find out more after Robertson’s session in Alabama later today. He’d be a useful addition to the 2021 Cubs bullpen.