Cubs closer David Robertson is among the most popular names on the trade market for relievers, and both New York clubs have interest in bringing him aboard. The Yankees, who’ve enjoyed two separate stints from Robertson in the past, are interested in another reunion with the 37-year-old righty, per Ken Davidoff of the New York Post. Davidoff’s colleague Mike Puma, meanwhile, writes that the Mets are intrigued by Robertson in part because of how effective he’s been against left-handers this season. The Mets don’t have a reliable southpaw option at the moment and there that many quality lefty relievers available, so Robertson’s lack of a platoon split is an understandably appealing trait. FanSided’s Robert Murray writes that the Mets “love” Robertson. The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal wrote yesterday that the Rays were among the teams evaluating the Cubs’ relievers.
Through 39 1/3 innings this season, Robertson has pitched to a 1.83 ERA with 14 saves and a big 31.4% strikeout rate — albeit with a bloated 11.9% walk rate. He’s earning just a $3.5MM base salary, though performance bonuses figure to take that number as high as $5.1MM. The majority of contending clubs figure to check in not only on Robertson but on Cubs righties Mychal Givens and Chris Martin, both of whom are free agents at season’s end. Murray notes that Givens has also been drawing strong interest around the league.
A few more notes on the market for relievers…
- The Tigers are receiving trade interest on lefty Andrew Chafin and righties Michael Fulmer, Joe Jimenez and Alex Lange, writes Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. McCosky spoke with both Fulmer and Jimenez about the complex emotions of potentially being traded away from the organization they’ve both called home for nearly their entire careers (or, in Jimenez’s case, for his entire pro career). It’s been apparent for some time now that Detroit’s slate of solid bullpen arms would hold major appeal to contending clubs at the deadline, and Fulmer and Chafin seem especially likely to go, given that they’ll both be eligible for free agency at season’s end. (Chafin has a $6.5MM player option.) Jimenez, controlled through 2023, stands a decent chance of being moved as well, but it’d be hard to part with Lange, whom the Tigers can control all the way through 2027. That said, Detroit is reportedly willing to listen on just about anyone, including lefty Tarik Skubal.
- Dodgers righty Blake Treinen is taking longer to return than originally anticipated, though manager Dave Roberts told reporters that Treinen has not experienced a setback (Twitter link via Juan Toribio of MLB.com). Treinen pitched a bullpen session yesterday but won’t face live hitters for a couple weeks still, which makes a late-August or early-September return likely. Robert said back in May that the organization hoped Treinen, who hasn’t pitched since April due to a shoulder injury, was targeting a return not long after the All-Star break. Treinen is joined on the injured list by Daniel Hudson, Tommy Kahnle, Brusdar Graterol and Victor Gonzalez, so it wouldn’t be surprising at all to see Los Angeles pursue some bullpen upgrades before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Need some trades let’s go
As always, we await developments.
Wonder how much it would cost to get Soto from the tigers
If they can get a good return, they should go for it. Soto is a roller coaster.
Not nearly as much as the cost to get Soto from the Nats
Ya think
Gatorade cooler and box of baseballs
@big daddy,
Wondering the same thing. Yanks need 3 things. 1. left handed hitting gold glove caliber left fielder (Peralta or Benintendi) 2. Top flight starting pitcher (Castillo or Pablo Lopez) 3. Solid reliever (Greg Soto is my top choice.
NO BEN for Yankees! He is not vaxed ,according to what I have read!
Good for him. Smart decision and something that should never be made public. Hope he’s smart enough to remain a pureblood.
I agree with the 3 things the Yanks need. I just think it will be hard to get all 3. But they will do something. The last I read with Benintendi they would still be interested even though not vaxed. I would be ok with Peralta, solid player and would likely get some big hits vs RHP.
That’s it? Just three all star quality players? Price tag would cost them must of their top 10 farm players.
amazing so many are holding on to vaccines like they actually work
Hopefully anything to get that bum off the roster. He sucks. I’d take a JAG rookie baller for him
Yankees will win this battle—they know Robertson well.
I’m sure if the Yankees want to dangle peraza in a package for happ and Robertson the cubs would listen
Yankees!
Come home Houdini!
PS it was just announced that Trout will have to manage his latest injury “for the rest of his career” and who knows when (or if) he plays again this year. Unbelievable.
Yea, but the Trashtros…
Most generous scenario at this point is he plays 130 games this season. He’s not going to resume baseball activities for at least another week- so if it’s assumed he’s back in 2 weeks (very generous) and plays the rest of the games for the season from then on (again, very generous), he would end up with around 130. Likely to end up being much fewer than 130 games.
I didn’t realize that almost every reliever in the Tigers bullpen is having a pretty good season. They could trade half of those guys and still have a decent core for next season along with Soto.
Should be a nice little sellers market as well
Definitely deep with quality arms. With all of the regular starters out, they had the opportunity to bring up a lot of new guys and they all have worked out pretty well (even though some of them got hurt as well). So now, the Tigers are even deeper at P.
They need to trade some of the pitching depth and get some good MLB-cusp positiom players that can be controlled well into the future.
With Avila making the trades it is fair to assume the Tigers come away with trash from the other teams. Other GMs should be lining up to swindle him.
The Tigers are a developmental organization and player showcase for other teams.
” The Moll Man ” Sam Moll is a Lefty relief pitcher on the A’s with a 1.72 ERA in 31 1/3 Innings.
Surprised there has been little talk or interest in him at the Trade deadline.
Contenders sometimes need an extra Lefty down in their Bullpen.
Other relief Pitchers performing well on the A’s are:
– Domingo Acevedo (3.00 ERA)
– Zach Jackson (2.77 ERA)
Even better, they are all on Rookie salary contracts and under Team control for several years.
Both Robertson and Givens will be traded before the deadline. Robertson will fetch you a prospect in the 15-30 list range and Givens may get you a a top 20 prospect with a higher ceiling. If I’m choosing I’m taking Givens due to durability.
They will get higher rated prospects for both. There isn’t very many sellers out there.
Prediction: Between this year’s trade deadline and offseason Dodgers will add to their roster Soto, Judge, Rodon, Castillo and/or Pablo Lopez. Dodgers resign Trea Turner, trade Bellinger, and not resign Justin Turner.
Prediction: No they won’t.
Prediction: what vtadave said!
Which Soto — Juan or Gregory?
Redwolves might as well dream about both because all this stuff isn’t going to happen!
What’s that? A $500 million dollar payroll.
Only the last sentence sounds solid. The rest seems like you’re mocking Dodger fans
If you’re not being sarcastic I’m a little worried – and I’m a Dodgers fan.
Rays need something. Jeez, call Fernando Rodney at this pt.
Nobody want to trade with the Rays, they win all their deals …..excluding the Trea Turner for Souza deal !
Except SD traded Turner, he was never a part of Rays organization
Hush! Preller is an awesome gm! Just ask any padre fan… never mind the Abundance of talent he has shipped away in his career.. some stat site needs to calculate the total amount of war he’s traded away vs accrued in trade.
How this guy is still employed let alone managed to ge promoted from gm to PBO is beyond me
**I can hear pathetic padre fan now “but but tatis”
At least they weren’t the Padres who doubled down on thetrade and gave Wil Myers a massive contract.
The Dodgers bullpen problem has become a yearly issue. Last time I criticized Roberts managing of the pen all the dodger homers called me out but things haven’t improved.
Last night Roberts left, just called up, Cleavinger in to pitch the 9th with a 1 run deficit after he already threw over 20 pitches and gave up the lead. Of course it blew up in his face. The bullpen has some great arms that were cast offs and I know injuries have hurt too but he needs to improve.
Roberts is great at handling egos and personalities but he needs to lean on Prior, or the LA brain trust, for managing his arms.
Also I know he doesn’t want to upset Mookie but Trea is the perfect lead off guy and Betts leads the team in HR. Traditional baseball thinking would put Mookie at the 2 or 3 hole and let the speedy Trea set the table for him.
He’s reluctant to sit or push Muncy down in the order but something clearly isn’t right with Max.
Having those conversations and doing what’s best for the team is what his job is about.
Last night Dave did get cute, they had the opportunity to save an arm as Clev was just there for the night till Heaney got activated 12 hrs later
I knew we lost once i heard the radio announce Clev to start the 8th –
My only bicker about the Dodger pen is Length…wish they had a guy or two that would go 2+ inns consistently saving the rest of the pen – Jake Reed gonna get his shot here in about 30 mins protecting this 6 run lead; lets hope he can get 6 outs
Roberts has nothing to do with constructing the roster, nor does he create the overall game plan. All of this comes from the FO and their number-crunchers. His job is to play the roster he’s given according to the plan. The pen has been shorthanded for most of the season but so far the moves to correct it have been lacking. That’s why we see cordwood like Cleavinger trying to protect a one-run lead. It isn’t Roberts trying to get cute, it’s him playing the hand he was dealt.
Highly doubt that. Friedman constructs the roster and there is a general sense how players are used based on the metrics but it’s Roberts and staff who make the final calls and decisions on what transpires from a day to day basis. It’s not like we haven’t seen Roberts get too cute before. He defended the Cleavinger move and also hid behind preserving arms but hey Vesia pitched today, and could have easily pitched last night. Game is probably very different if Cleavinger didn’t pitch last night.
I’m not only certain, I’m completely certain that Roberts is in that uniform because he’s on board with the Friedman game plan 110%. They haven’t invested in all of that math just so the manager can feel like doing something else on any given day, it defies everything we know about how the Dodgers are run. Roberts is never going to blame anyone else for what happens in a game, and that’s another big reason why he wears the uniform. The armchair managers who think they know what should have or could have happened in any given game can hang it up. They aren’t working for Andrew Friedman, and Dave Roberts is.
A lot of misconceptions of how analytics works and the role of the manager, I think. Analytics doesn’t say who on a given AB bats or who pitches in a certain inning of the game. Numbers are provided and tendencies, but it’s not magic. There is a lot of room for interpretation.
Explain to me how Friedman manages the game on a game to game basis. So, Friedman basically had Cleavinger pitch the 8th? Or does Roberts have an earpiece with Friedman on the line? That is ludicrous. Friedman draws up the game plan every morning? Even an analytic-friendly manager has a lot of room for interpretation. It’s not an exact science. This notion that Roberts is a puppet is funny and all, but that’s not how it works. I guarantee that Friedman’s involvement with “game” type of decisions are more broad. He may realize a certain thing and mention that to Roberts. I noticed that you’ve been using so and so in these situations, do you think so and so is a better fit there?
Never said that, and no. But the data the manager and bench coach have on hand provides them with the statistical matchups. You maybe believe they aren’t expected to use it, but I wonder why you’d think such a thing. The manager is also provided with data about future games and other longer range game planning issues. So no misconceptions, just conceptions about why they collect data, analyze data, and use it. No need for hyperbole or reductions to the absurd to explain anything.
Context, context, context. My point is that there is a lot of room for interpretation that is up to the manager/bench coaches, etc. to make their own decisions, especially on a game to game decision. So, bringing in Cleavinger in the eighth in a one-run game is a Roberts decision, not a Friedman decision. That’s my point. So, sticking to the context, Roberts, even when following “the general plan” of player personnel playing time that may be discussed with Friedman, should be able to be praised and/or criticized for game decisions. I know you love to argue but this is the context.
Once again, you are trying to make me defend an argument I never made. That might just make you the one who loves to argue.
Myself, I love facts. This is a game where fielders are now repositioned precisely for each batter in every possible pitch count. So there’s your context.
Data is king now, whether we like it or not. I happen not to like it, but reality is still reality. Managers have become implementors. That doesn’t mean the FO is on the phone to the dugout, it means the manager goes into the game knowing the game plan and the options as laid out by the FO. I know it’s easy and ridiculously popular to place every game-losing decision at the feet of the guy in the dugout wearing the uniform, but that just ignores the man behind the curtain. No can do.
This is pointless. I’m not going to convince you otherwise. But let me ask you this, do you have any shred of evidence that this is how it’s played out in regards to game to game decisions? The ask goes that way because it counters as to how baseball game decisions are known to be made at the MLB level. Let me save you the research, you don’t. So, you can keep on believing on conspiracies and Bigfoot. But until then, we’ll continue to hold the manager and coaches responsible for game to game decisions. They get the praise when good game decisions are made and criticism when bad decisions are made. Friedman gets all the praise and criticism for the roster constructed, and credit for the analytics used by manager and coaches. We all get the difference between an old school gut feel manager and an analytic-friendly manager like Roberts, but I think your interpretation is a bit out of left field.
No, you won’t convince me of something that isn’t true, especially without evidence. Nor apparently will I ever convince you of something that is true, even with evidence, but for the record at least, here it is anyway.
From Dave Roberts himself about this very situation:
“I could have used a couple of leverage guys. I could have used Alex Vesia and then he’s done for two days in Colorado. You have to kind of stick to the program in the long run. It’s easy to say in the moment, do this. I’ve learned not to do that.”
Stick to the program. The program seemingly created by Bigfoot.
from what I’ve heard in read the dodgers have an ‘executive’ meeting before every game and Roberts is given all the information and told their preferences
after reading your comment I find it humorous that YOU would mentioned conspiracy theories in Bigfoot.. oh well all that aside I do have a bridge in San Francisco and a statue in New York harbor that what I would happily lease to you for the weekend for a very small financial profit
@blueskyla
How many years have you been arguing with fellow dodger fans on this site?
You have to be one of the most abrasive people here.
Walk away from the keyboard
Roberts still makes the decisions according to him. You even quoted him saying as much above this comment
He’s the manager, that’s his job.
He gave reasons for all his decisions in the post game. Plus he’s been there long enough that he’s not some puppet. You just love to argue
Yeah the Dodgers weakness would be a strength on most teams but it’s still frustrating to watch leads get blown against a team like WAS.
May, Heaney, and eventually Beuhler coming back will help and the bullpen should be a lot better by October barring injury.
Muncy’s slump is becoming concerning though and I’d like to see Roberts ride the hot hands like Lamb and Thompson by batting them above Max.
Betts playing 2nd today is a good sign, creates more versatility going forward.
The Dodgers didn’t hire all those stat geeks so Dave Roberts could play his gut. Some of those lineups look a little questionable, but you can bet there’s a whole lotta math behind them. That’s baseball today.
The Dodgers have a lot of players coming back as you’ve stated but there is a worry if those players can sustainably come back from a performance and health basis. I expect the Dodgers to get a bullpen arm or two. It’s clearly a weakness.
I worry about Muncy too. Seems as if he’s gone the Bellinger route with the concern that he’ll also never return to past peak. He is still taking some walks but starting to expand the zone and now the pitches in the zone that he would crush are easy fly balls or strike outs. I’m sure of it is now mental. It does seem like Roberts is hinting towards sitting Muncy more frequently when J Turner and Taylor come back.
How are you responding to me blue sky and why do I see your messages? I’ve muted you because I’m tired of your trolling. Pretty annoying
I understand the thought behind conserving arms but with a one run lead after a loss you have to secure the win. It’s a small sample size, but how many times has Cleavinger been clean in one inning pitched in his career, let alone two innings? Does Roberts think about that? The guy is constantly pitching with traffic, and when it goes bad the game is over like it was yesterday. He doesn’t have enough command to be an effective reliever. That is clear as you can get but the Dodgers haven’t read the memo yet.
I was at the game last night and talk about a deflator. Crowd was pumped, 53k plus in attendance. One run lead heading into the eighth and everyone is puzzled when Cleavinger strolls in. I’m sure most of us didn’t even know that he was called up earlier that day. WTF…Is Vesia hurt? Is everybody else that could pitch hurt? To be fair you could say that Lux’s error is what did the Dodgers in last night. If he doesn’t make that error Garcia doesn’t get to hit the 2 run homer in the 8th, and Dodgers go to Kimbrel in the 9th, which is a whole new can of worms on whether the Dodgers actually win the game. But when Cleavinger came in for the 9th it’s as if the Dodgers waved the white flag. You knew that there was a high probability that the game could get out of control and it did.
Dodgers are at this point with a hobbled pitching staff for almost all of the season. Bask in the greatness. I have high hopes for the EIGHT quality arms coming off the IL well before the postseason.
IMO: we need a lefty reliever. Obvious by Cleavinger’s presence anywhere near the Dodgers dugout. By the postseason: Duffy/Heaney/Ferguson/Vesia/Price/Gonzalez are options for just 3 spots. Add a 7th (Anderson) for 3 spots if they get Castillo (which I think is unlikely). Even considering I hate Price as an option and don’t think Gonz will be at full strength, I’m confident that the 4 others are better than any trade option not named Gregory Soto (who would cost too much in prospect value).
I think the Dodgers are generally okay with lefties. Most of their starting rotation is lefty so less of a need of lefty relievers. Heck Washington had zero lefties out of the pen this series. We’ll see the composition of rotation if May and Buehler come back healthy. 3 batter min also downplays lefty specialists.
That said, I only trust a few of the current lefties. Vesia is fine. I like Ferguson quite a bit. Price I don’t trust. Duffy if he pitches will be out of the pen. I’d rather get another righty. No guarantees that Treinen is able to pitch this season. Almonte and Philips have been great but let’s see how they hold up. Graterol has been all over the place. Kimbrel? Hmmm. If you can get one more elite righty out of the pen you’re good.
The price might be high because he’s in demand, but Robertson would be a serious boost for their BP.. Great numbers against lefties. Closer mentality.
How unlucky did the Phillies get with Robertson? The guy underperformed out of the gate before getting injured throughout the tenure of his contract. He heals up and dominates once again. Love him as a consistent reliever. I would enjoy seeing him in the playoffs again, but man, the Phillies got hosed on that one. Essentially they just paid for his medical bills.
“The Yankees, who’ve enjoyed two separate stints from Robertson in the past, are interested in another reunion with the 37-year-old righty.”
Yankees should be barred from having him again. They never respect his talents. They never properly compensate for him.
As much as I have enjoyed harassing AL over the years…you gotta admit, Chris Illich has never once shelled out to sign a top player with the intent to trade him,ie someone the fans can watch during the season and then follow after he gets traded…..
Tiger fans will be rootbeering for Michael Fulmer, all the way…..
I for one, would like to one of these poor bstrds win a World Series.
Let’s get a 55-60 rated prospect for Robertson! Hopefully no Cub fire sale!
As much as I have enjoyed harassing AL over the years…you.gotta admit, Chris Illich has never once shelled out to sign a top player with the intent to trade,ie someone the fans can watch during the season and then follow after he gets traded…..
Tiger fans will be rootbeering for Michael Fulmer, all the way….
Would the Jays trading Danny Jansen and Jordan Groshans to the Tigers be enough for Jimenez and Soto? Or swap Chafin in for Soto?
Chafin is not Vaxed.
Did not realize that. Scrap Chafin and swap in Fulmer then.
If I’m Shatkins I’m phoning stupid Al tonight and dealing for Fulmer and Jimenez for Danny Janssen AMS whatever non top tier prospect big Al wants
yeah can’t’ have one of those individuals who recognize the vax doesn’t actually prevent anything and young people are unexplainably dropping dead playing for your team. messes w the robot chemistry.
Whoa, that offer is way too strong for Avila. He’d probably pull the trigger for Bradley Zimmer and an injured A ball pitcher.
Happ and Robertson for Volpe let’s go!
Al Avila better get more than what he got for Verlander and JD Martinez. I’m tired of getting crap for good players….
Avila is like a magician. He makes quality players just disappear into nothing. Poof!
There once was a.GM named.Al
He.made.it.to.the top, but lost all his pals
Now he’s all alone
Making calls on.the phone
Looking at a cross.and some.nails…..
Tigers are in a good position to trade for much needed offensive help. However, Avila is totally inept and has lost every trade he’s made since becoming GM. Tigers will end up with short straw again. Absolutely mind boggling how Ilitch keeps him as GM after 7 years of continuous failure.