David Robertson just finished another successful season in the Yankees’ bullpen. That’s been a regular occurrence in his 11-year MLB career, with a stop in Chicago as well. Robertson, 34 in April, owns a 2.88 career ERA and a 12.0 K/9. Several years ago, David and his wife Erin founded High Socks For Hope, a non-profit organization focused on disaster relief as well as helping homeless, disabled or destitute veterans. We urge MLBTR readers to consider a donation.
Earlier this month, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported Robertson was choosing to represent himself in free agency. MLBTR reached out to Robertson and asked for his thought process behind this unique decision. His guest post follows.
At this point in my life and career, no one else understands my wants and needs more than myself. After recognizing this, I made the decision to forgo using an agent since I no longer feel as though I need a middle man. I know what I want in a contract, I’m aware of what I can offer to teams, and teams are aware of my abilities.
I’m sure there is a lot of speculation regarding my choice. One thing I want to address is that this decision has nothing to do with my former agent. He is a great guy and has become a close friend of mine. He did a great job representing me for over a decade and I will always appreciate that. But I believe all players need to pay close attention to what they do and their own career path. I wouldn’t recommend self representation to just anyone – heck I wouldn’t recommend it to the majority of players. However, being a guy that’s hung around long enough to know what I can offer a team and what I would like in return, I feel I’m best suited to have all the discussions necessary to figure out my next contract.
A lot of people have and will question my decision. It’s not common to see a player take this path and I’m aware of that and the potential obstacles I may face by doing so. But in the end, I made this decision for myself and my family and for now I’m going to stick with it. I believe I have a lot to offer a team on and off the field and I know I will end up in the right place.
Pretty solid explanation.
dont think it could have been worded any better
A 10 year vet know what he wants and needs. He doesn’t need to wined and dined and schmoozed. I hope the Yanks can bring him back on a reasonable 3/$30 mil.
South,
I absolutely agree, and I hope
the Yanks bring him back, he
belongs with them, with us,
with NY, lol
Good Luck DRob⚾️⚾️⚾️
It probably depends on if he wants to be a team’s de facto closer. Yanks can’t offer that.
Eileen,
Who is them?
Just a guess but he probably doesn’t want to move his family and likely will stay a Yankee. Totally agree with everyone but if the Yankees choose to go elsewhere, he could still be “the man” in NY with the Mets. Doubt that will happen but such could be his fall back plan. If years becomes an issue, what about a two year guarantee with a games appeared in trigger for a third? His age will eventually be a team worry but he’s been Mr. Consistency so far.
94, The Yanks, lol
I feel like his market value will be somewhere around 2/30 or 3/39. I don’t see him taking a pay cut on AAV after the year he just had
There’s no chance he’s not getting that much. He previously had a 4/$46MM deal, so he’s not getting $13-15MM per year, especially now that he’s 4 years older than his previous contract. He’ll definitely get paid though.
Ehhh, that’s really a tough call. Yes, he’s 3 years older, but you also have to consider that the market has exploded for above average, set-up men, since his last contract.
Now, while the two don’t necessarily cancel each other out, I still have to agree with baseballnerd. According to last year’s comparible pitchers, Robertson is most likely looking at getting an AAV around ~10 mil.
Last year, Wade Davis then 33, received a 3year, 52 mil deal, although, he was signed specifically as a closer, coming off an excellent season with Chicago, BUT he also came with some injury risks. Also, last year both Jake McGee, 31, and Bryan Shaw, 29, received 3 year-27 million dollar deals..
Also, at the age of 33, Brandon Morrow signed a two year deal with Chicago assuring Morrow at least 21 mil. He also received a 3rd year vesting option valued at 12mil, or a 3mil buyout. All in all Morrow will likely be looking at a 3 year, 30mil deal..However, Morrow was signed, at the time, to primarily be Chicago’s closer.
So, with Morrow’s contract being the most likely comparison, I’d say Robertson ends up getting a 2 year deal, with a 3rd year vesting option, assuring Robertson somewhere around 22mil..or totaling out at a 3 year, 31mil deal…Something like that is what I would expect for DR.
BUT no, he will certainly NOT get an AAV of 12-13mil.. I would expect closer to 10 or slightly above 10..
Wade Davis was not 33 when he signed last year.
Hope it works out best for him
After you’ve been through a couple contracts and seen how the process plays out, how much different can it really be? Why surrender a chunk of money to an agent when you don’t have to? I’m surprised more veterans don’t go this route.
downsr30…….
Many don’t because agents do more than just negotiate contracts. They take care of things like off season travel arrangements, the daunting task of filing taxes (ever see a picture of the pile of tax forms for a player…it’s like 12″ – 18″ high), even things like tickets for sporting events or shows.
That said, if a player has a good support system at home (wife, family members, close friends) that are capable of handling all of that more power to them. In the long run self representation is a money saver and satisfying for some.
I like his reasoning.
You’re right. Players need to pay state/city/county taxes (if mandated) for all of the games they play on the road. That would be paychecks, meal money, and any non-cash perks they receive if they fall under the tax statutes. Hopefully he has a good accountant to keep track of all of that.
Eh, probably because agents help with negotiation tactics and that a lack of an agent can lead you to agreeing to a worse deal. Most players would probably do poorly in negotiations. So it probably has to do with that and not so much that players dont know how to sign the dotted line.
He can hire an attorney or negotiator if need be. one that is not an agent, but flat fee type.
More power to the guy, hope he lands a solid deal.
Those are some reasonable alternatives. I hope the same for him as well. Agents are crafty though. Just look at Scott Boras
The reason why they don’t do it is because it’s not that much money. A guy like Robertson (veteran player, set to make tens of mill.) could get representation for somewhere between 1 and 2%. After taxes, that adds up to about $200-$300G. (which is a nice sum for basically a few days’ worth of administrative work on the agent’s part, but not anything significant for D-Rob)
So the money isn’t the reason why D-Rob is doing this. He’s doing it because he wants the hands on experience. He probably gets bored in the off-season, especially since you kinda have to stay close to your phone anyway, while your agent is negotiating your next deal….so he’s thinking, might as well be hands on, and do it myself.
Good comment Stans123. Who knows, he could be doing this to see if he would enjoy being an agent or working for a team after his playing days end.
I think an aspect that is overlooked is that an Agent servers as a filter of information from the team and a keeper of the peace between the player and team. Undoubtedly when negotiating, a team is going point out the flaws of a player or the existence of alternatives in an effort to lower an asking price or induce an agreement. If a player is the one who is told first hand these types of things it can create a strain in the relationship.
This happens a lot when an arbitration hearing is held over a player’s salary, it’s the team’s job to argue why the player isn’t that good and/or how his performance wasn’t that valuable. Players in the past have commented how the arbitration process has often created a rift between a player and an organization.
My guess is that DRob is probably only willing to play for a handful of teams (or just the yankees) and is willing to take a pay cut to play for them.
Such a quality player and human being. Love ya DRob and hope to see you in pinstripes next year!
I hope he signs with the Yankees
There has to be tremendous Trust on the side of the player towards ownership. The contract is a gazillion pages. You can’t possibly read all that as a regular guy.
Robertson is sticking his neck out at trusting whomever he signs with in that contract.
John Stockton did the same thing because he trusted Larry Miller the owner of the Jazz and the contract that was set up. He didn’t need to read every single legal word he trusted mr. Miller.
Robertson may be using one of his older contracts as a template making sure everything is covered and so that he already knows what’s in it.
That’s where a having an agent comes in. An owner would usually want their own contract and not something the player comes up with. So still a slight risk with a player representing himself. He may eliminate some teams from signing him.
Even without an agent, he can hire an attorney to check out the contract.
Good call.
From a dollars and years perspective it’s relatively predictable for a guy like him. He’s not going to set a record in a contract but it’s easy to see what the market will pay and what he’s ok with. Just read on any site they commentators are normally close.
As far as the contract stuff, just because he doesn’t have an agent doesn’t mean he won’t pay a lawyer to read it over. And CPAs can always figure out taxes. Paying 20000 to these two people is a lot less then the millions you pay an agent.
Omg- he is still going to have an attorney review the contract. He’s not like others said is going to blindly sign or read every letter of the contract. Most agents have law degrees. Some players just use attorney’s from my reading all these years. An algebra gets a lot more $ and does more like look for endorsements so they can get their cut. An agent just doesn’t go away once a contract is signed. Like others said, they do a lot. I assume DRob has a business manager, account and lawyer on retainer. They have to file tax returns for every state they play in and earn $.
DRob seems like a simple, grounded man who is not looking to be the LebronJames of endorsements nor do I think he would be offered anything except regional opportunities which are low $ compared to Pepsi, Gatoraid..Ect. I see it as he just wants to play ball and live his life with family. He’s already rich, must have investments and his kids and grand kids are set up already so, be your own man DRob. You definitely seem like and intelligent guy and a great teammate. And without the $ he would of given an agent he can give the Yanks a slight discount so he can win another WS before he retires.
He’s not signing a big $ deal to play for a non contender and I would be surprised if he signs with the Bosox or Yanks don’t match their offer. That kills 2 birds with 1 stone. Keeps a great reliever from going to Sox. I hope they resign Kimbrel. He looked average the last half season and Post season. They need 2-3 top arms as I don’t see Sale or Price being better next year and their SP is not great. And I doubt they go through 2019 like 2018 with no major injuries. They were so lucky on that front this year. It’s why they Won Imo.
Good for you Mr. Robertson. I wish this was a more common approach with professional athletes. It is a very sound way to approach “His” future.
Good enough explanation. I am, however, trusting that he has a lawyer to read over the fine print.
What could go wrong?
He signs a contract for otherwise less money but still comes out ahead representing himself sans agent fees. I’m pretty sure he knows where he wants to go and the GM/ownership he’ll be negotiating with.
Good for DRob…..I wonder if an active MLB player represent another player?
The old adage goes: “a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client..”
It will probably apply to players too….
Good for him he is taking control of his own destination
Instead of the long explanation, just say you don’t feel like paying your agent 5% of your new contract.
Commendable. Good on you, David.
Stand up stuff from a truly stand up person. Why did I not say ballplayer?
Because he also goes the extra mile along with his spouse to help others.
Hear, me out, anyone can write a check, but to start and run a charity and also spend time out in the community helping others. Dam, I fell guilty about me not doing more for others.
Thank you David Robertson for helping me to try to be a better person.
He’s not going anywhere.
A lot of hate for agents on here. You think the average contracts lawyer comes out of school with an expertise in sports law, or even more niche, baseball law? It’s more than years, dollars, and team. The terms that go into these things are immense, and the contracts have to be maintained and navigated throughout the course of their terms. There are specialized procedures that can take place depending on how things go during the contract. Agents also provide a huge amount of specialized service outside of the contract. “Knowing what you want” is a terrible reason to represent yourself. Ego will cost this guy more than his 10% unless he gets perfectly lucky. Also for those of you who are thinking about representing yourself on your drunk driving charges, or divorces, or other legal matters, it’s a bad decision. Consult with an expert.
Your points are valid but taking a 10% hit is a bit of a stretch. What if he was perfectly happy with his previous contract and simply uses that as a boilerplate? For most players, I would agree with you. DRob appears like a smart, resourceful guy with plenty of connections well-versed in contract language.
What’s funny is that you presume to know better than a veteran player…but betray your total ignorance, when you suggest his agent would take 10%.
The rest of your post is nonsense too. There’s no need for “huge amount of specialized service”, and there’s no need for “immense terms” in the contract. You can get a simple contract that guarantees a fixed amount, for a fixed number of years, possibly with performance incentives added in. You don’t need a lawyer for it.
You don’t need a lawyer to help you function in the world. Only idiots and insane people use lawyers for their dealings with other people.
If you’re sane and honest, the only times you need a lawyer is when you’re being sued by one of the aforementioned idiots, or prosecuted by an over-bearing government.
That’s especially true for divorce, by the way: bringing lawyers into it makes it far, far worse. Two rational people can get a divorce without lawyers, just fine. Happens all the time.
I mean, the guy is the Yankees Player’s Union rep. He knows what he’s doing.
I don’t see how the outcome will be any different, because veteran players decide which offer to take anyway, and their agents only take a couple percent for all the busy work they do, but doing all the work himself could be good experience for later in life…whether he wants to stay in the game or explore other business opportunities.
Great article and incite into the player and the agent process. I will be atching Robertson this year to see where he goes and for how much.
What he’s meant by all that is. He’s self representing himself because he’s going to sign with the Yanks who he’s very familiar with and they know what he wants as well.
Nice to see a smart and articulate athlete for Change. I still won’t resign him