Former Mets reliever signs with the Rangers
One of the Mets’ 2023 signings will join the defending champions.
A former New York Met has found another home.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that bullpen pitcher David Robertson has signed a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers worth between $11 and $12 million. The contract is still pending a physical.
The Mets signed Robertson, 38, for the 2023 season as a setup man for Edwin Díaz. However, Díaz tore his patellar tendon during the World Baseball Classic, causing him to miss the entire season. Robertson then claimed the closer role.
Although the Mets had a terribly poor season, Robertson was a bright spot. Before being dealt to the Miami Marlins, he was 4-2 with a 2.05 ERA and 1.000 WHIP, 14 saves in 17 chances, and 48 strikeouts to only 13 walks. On May 12, he became only the 14th bullpen pitcher in MLB history to strike out 1,000 batters, marking another significant achievement.
Looking to capitalize on his worth, the Mets traded Robertson from Queens to Miami on July 28, receiving infielder prospect Marco Vargas and switch-hitting catcher prospect Ronald Hernandez in exchange. Robertson struggled tremendously with the Marlins in his first month, with a 9.00 ERA in August, leading to his demotion from closer. He did, however, stabilize in September, pitching scoreless innings in ten of his eleven appearances as a setup man to help the Marlins reach the postseason.
When Robertson and the Marlins faced the Mets during the September home stretch, he stated that he was willing to return to the Mets during the following offseason “if the opportunity is right”.
However, he has decided to join the defending World Series champion Rangers instead. Robertson is aiming for his second World Series championship, having won his first with the Mets’ crosstown rivals, the New York Yankees, in 2009.
The Mets are relying on Edwin Díaz to fill Robertson’s role as closer in 2024.
