Phillies add former All-Star relief pitcher

The Philadelphia Phillies are reuniting with a former All-Star pitcher.

The Phillies and pitcher David Robertson have agreed on a 1-year deal. He is set to earn just over $6 million for the rest of the season; his contract is based on a 1-year, $16 million deal but prorated.

Robertson was a free agent prior to signing. He had a $7 million mutual option with the Texas Rangers after last season but declined it. He then didn’t sign with another MLB team over the offseason because they failed to meet his asking price.

On Sunday, Robertson threw in Providence, Rhode Island, for interested teams. The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers were among the teams that showed interest in Robertson, but the Phillies were able to sign him.

Robertson, 40, is best known for his time with the New York Yankees from 2008-2014 to start his career (he pitched again for them in 2017 and 2018). Robertson made the All-Star team in 2011 after going 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 66.2 innings. He was still very effective as of last year when he went 3-4 with a 3.00 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 72 innings with Texas.

Robertson pitched for the Phillies in both 2019 and 2022. He reportedly was sitting in the 89-91 mph range for his throwing session on Sunday.