Yankees Looking at Bringing Back Former Closer for Playoff Push originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The New York Yankees apparently just can’t quit David Robertson. The now 40-year-old reliever was holding a showcase for teams earlier this month and the Yankees were there watching, according to The Athletic’s Will Sammon.
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Robertson, a free agent, had twice been a Yankee in the past.
Robertson, now 40, is holding throwing sessions in hopes of signing with a team for the stretch run. The Yankees and Mets are among the clubs that have “at least recently looked into” Robertson, Sammon reports, and multiple teams are expected to attend one of his workouts in the coming week.
Robertson last pitched in the majors in September for the Rangers. In 68 appearances last season, he posted a 3.00 ERA and struck out 99 batters over 72 innings. Across the last three years, he’s compiled a 2.82 ERA and continued to generate swings and misses at a high rate.
For a contending team with bullpen needs, Robertson could be an ideal midseason pickup. He’s a proven arm with postseason experience and no trade cost attached.
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And the fit in the Bronx makes sense.
While Devin Williams has stabilized the closer role, the rest of the Yankees’ bullpen has been a mix of patched holes and high-wire acts. Luke Weaver is back from a hamstring injury but hasn’t looked sharp since returning. Mark Leiter Jr. remains out, and the bridge to Williams has been shaky. Entering the break, the Yankees’ bullpen ranked 20th in MLB with a 4.08 ERA and 1.30 WHIP.
The group could use another late-inning arm they trust, especially one with Robertson’s track record.
Robertson came up through the Yankees’ farm system and helped them win their last World Series back in 2009. He returned to the Bronx in 2017 after a year and a half with the Chicago White Sox.
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For most of his 15-year career, Robertson has missed bats, thrown strikes, and handled big outs. Pairing him with Williams, Weaver, Tim Hill, and whoever’s healthy on any given night would give Aaron Boone more options in tight spots.
Robertson would essentially function like a trade-deadline addition, but without giving up prospects.
Throughout his career, Robertson has had a habit of showing up when the games matter most. And if he proves he still has something left in the tank, a return to the Bronx could be exactly the kind of move the Yankees need.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
