The Yankees made closer David Robertson the one-year, $15.3MM qualifying offer, which he officially declined yesterday. GM Brian Cashman told reporters, “I thought it was 50-50 when we made the offer. We were comfortable obviously if he accepted it and we wanted to be protected if he didn’t. To be honest, I had no idea what the position would be.” More on the free agent market’s top reliever…
- The Tigers are out of the running for Robertson, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post. GM Dave Dombrowski told Sherman that part of the reason he exercised Joakim Soria’s $7MM club option was to keep out of the race for late-inning relief on the free agent market. Detroit also considers Bruce Rondon a wild card that could make an impact on their bullpen next season.
Earlier Updates
- Robertson has attracted interest from at least a half-dozen teams, a source tells Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News. He says among those is at least one with a protected draft pick, meaning the Diamondbacks, Rockies, Rangers, Astros, Twins, Red Sox, White Sox, Cubs, Phillies, or Reds. Of those, the Rockies, Astros, White Sox, and Cubs are known to be seeking relief help.
- Cashman mentioned last night that he intends to meet with Robertson’s agent Scott Leventhal this week in Arizona. The two sides have yet to discuss a multiyear deal.
Of those teams listed with the protected pick, I would guess it’s the Cubs.
I honestly wouldn’t mind if the Yankees looked elsewhere and tried to sign someone like Miller, Romo or Gregerson (had no idea he was a FA actually until I looked at the relievers). K-Rod wouldn’t be a bad choice either.
Actually the Cubs are one of the few teams on that list that should be a no. The other team in the same city however is a yes.
Why do you feel the Cubs are a no and the White Sox a yes?
White Sox obviously need bullpen help in the worst way and they have about 40 million to spend. The Cubs actually have some young talent in the pen. Think they want to upgrade the starting pitching staff and lineup over the bullpen.
Yeah but do you consider the White Sox as contenders next season? (Then again I don’t see the Mets as contenders and they just signed Cuddyer). Who knows.
If the Mets gave up a pick just for Cuddyer, they arent done. I’d expect them to sign a least 1 more QO free agent.
It will be a long time coming if the Mets keep signing free agents or trading people. I hope your right. In NY their budget should be at least 110 million.
Yes Rick Hahn and Kenny Williams are stepping up their game this offseason to try and put their team in contention.
And I’m pretty sure Hoyer and Theo are doing the same.
Yes? In different areas though. They dont have to spend on bullpen as much as the White Sox do.
Why would having some young talent deter the signing? Injuries happen, other trades happen, depth is needed, veterans are usually needed. The Cubs make sense, and are willing to spend just like the White Sox are.
Eh, not so sure about the Cubs unless they contacted him about being a set up man. I don’t think Robertson would be any real upgrade over Rondon especially if you throw in a 8 figure a year salary. They’d be better off committing resources elsewhere.
Weren’t there reports of them spending heavy this offseason? I think Theo is going to try to go all in this year and will be spending big. If Lester doesn’t go to Boston (I think he will though), then I bet he picks the Cubbies.
True but I just don’t see Robertson being their priority for the price tag. Also Theo usually likes the idea of not overpaying a bullpen.
The model seems to be having great relief pitching for the 7th-9th. They might be better going the route of signing at least 3 relief pitchers, not necessarily Robertson. I see the Cubs loading up on pitching this winter!
I agree, I would like for the Yanks to sign Gregerson for 3/20 and sign and Jansen for 2/12.
wasn’t there a post earlier today where theo said/made it seem like the pen isn’t a top priority?
Seemed alot of people on here surely thought Robertson would accept, but as a reliever, having a multi year contract is alot more secure especially when you have a track record as he does. I see the Yankees still offering him a competitive offer though.
I don’t think he will get what he thinks he’s going to get!
the Astros have Money and are really wanting to make the Bullpen better. – might be a good landing spot for Robertson.
Really don’t like the idea of a non-contender spending big on a closer. Is so inefficient.
I still think ultimately Robertson signs with the Yankees for something in the neighborhood of 3 years $39MM.
Hopefully only after they got a shortstop and 3B at the least.
SS and 2B.
Prado can play 2B and 3B.
3B typically cheaper to find a same level bat.
There is lierally no reason to play Prado at 3B. The third base market is stronger this year than it will be for years. Prado will play 2B.
Prado will end up playing the OF when one of them gets injured
Tigers were never in the running. Only pundits thought they would get a reliever… not them.
I think they sign VMART and horde the other two top draft picks they have (their #24 pick and the sandwich pick for losing Scherzer). However, Miller would be a good get, if they can afford it…. later, after the rest of their remodel is done.
That the way I see or wish they do. Resign VMart and sign Miller. Wait for a trade to develop or check out January sales.
I think the Tigers should go hard after Andrew Miller, they had huge bullpen problems last year and Miller is effective against everyone.
Miller can pitch two innings at a time if they choose.