Phillies Bring Back Reliever David Robertson on Expensive Deal for Rest of Season

The Philadelphia Phillies have made a major addition to their bullpen, bringing back a former reliever for the rest of this season.

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand broke the news on Sunday afternoon that the Phillies would be signing 40-year-old reliever David Robertson on a pro-rated $16 million deal for the rest of the season. He will make around $5 million in total for just the second half.

More News: Phillies Top Prospect Expected To Be Breakout Player in Second Half

That's a hefty price to pay an aging veteran for half a season. He won't be their highest-paid relief pitcher, though, as Taijuan Walker is now in the bullpen and making $18 million this season.

Robertson could very well be worth every penny, though. He is an experienced arm that should be able to come in and provide some stability to a group that has struggled.

Philadelphia's bullpen has a staff ERA of 4.36, which ranks No. 23 in baseball. Their righties are even worse at a 4.85 ERA.

Add in the fact that Jose Alvarado will have to miss the postseason due to his current suspension, and it becomes clear that the Phillies needed more help.

More News: Phillies Call Up Weston Wilson After Moving Slugger Alec Bohm to Injured List

Robertson likely won't be the only move that they make, but it's a good start.

He most recently pitched for the Texas Rangers last year. He looked about as solid as ever as he posted a 3.00 ERA with a 1.111 WHIP and 99 strikeouts in 72 innings of work. If he could come back and provide that level of production, this would be an absolute win of a signing.

This will be Robertson's third stint in Philadelphia, the most recent before this came in the second half of 2022. He has a 3.30 ERA with a 1.533 WHIP over 30 innings in a Phillies uniform.

More News: Phillies Third Baseman Alec Bohm Might Need IL Stint After Latest Injury

For more Phillies news, head over to Phillies On SI.