10:33pm: Even if they acquire Jeff Samardzija, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal hears (via Twitter) that the White Sox will continue to pursue Robertson.
9:47pm: Despite having Dellin Betances and newly-signed free agent Andrew Miller in tow, the Yankees are still hopeful that they can retain David Robertson, writes Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com. In fact, they seem flexible about giving him a fourth year on his contract, even if it’s not their preference.
The Yankees are looking to form a super bullpen, much like the Royals enjoyed this past season. Kansas City had an unheard of 77-1 record in 2014 when leading after six innings. Still, there’s competition that the Bombers will have to beat out. The Astros, who saw Miller take less money to go to New York, are in the middle of talking with Robertson. The White Sox are also said to be in on the star closer.
Heyman also adds that even though the Yankees could be willing to go to four years, they are unwilling to go to $50MM over that span. Robertson has been said to have interest from at least a half-dozen clubs and he’s eyeing a deal in the four-year, $50MM range.
