In a bold move that sent ripples through the baseball world, the Boston Red Sox have committed $7.1 million to David Robertson, the seasoned veteran reliever, in an effort to fortify their bullpen. After a series of disappointing seasons that saw the Red Sox struggle to find consistent relief pitching, the organization is taking a calculated risk, betting that Robertson’s experience and track record of success can provide the stability they desperately need in the late innings.
David Robertson, who has been a key piece in major league bullpens for over a decade, is coming off a solid 2024 campaign with the Miami Marlins. However, given his age (he’ll turn 39 in April) and recent injury history, the Red Sox’s commitment to him represents both a gamble and a sign of their renewed commitment to contend in the competitive AL East. But with a bullpen that has been shaky at times, and an offense that often leaves fans wanting more, could Robertson be the missing piece to turn the Red Sox’s season around?
The Red Sox Bullpen Struggles
In recent seasons, the Red Sox bullpen has been a major cause for concern. In 2024, they finished with an ERA of 4.60, which ranked 22nd in all of MLB. Their inability to close out games and keep leads late in contests has been a consistent issue, costing them more games than they care to admit. With a high-powered offense that can sometimes outscore opponents, the Red Sox need a reliable bullpen to preserve leads and give them a chance to win close games. Enter David Robertson, a veteran reliever with a proven track record in high-leverage situations.
Robertson is no stranger to big moments. Over his career, the right-handed reliever has earned a reputation for coming through in tight spots, particularly in postseason play. His most notable years came as part of the New York Yankees’ bullpen from 2008 to 2014, where he set up legendary closer Mariano Rivera. Robertson’s ability to pitch in the seventh and eighth innings of crucial games made him one of the most trusted relievers in the American League. Now, with a new challenge ahead of him in Boston, he could play a pivotal role in providing the Red Sox bullpen with the stability it’s been lacking.
The $7.1 Million Gamble
So why $7.1 million? Why bet that much on a 39-year-old reliever with some injury history and who isn’t coming off an elite season? The answer lies in the importance of experience, track record, and the fact that the Red Sox were left with few viable alternatives on the free-agent market.
While Robertson’s performance in 2024 wasn’t necessarily extraordinary—he posted a 3.42 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP over 58 innings—he’s a proven commodity who can eat innings, hold leads, and maintain a high strikeout rate (10.4 K/9 in 2024). He also has a wealth of experience in high-leverage situations, something the Red Sox are in desperate need of. He’s been a reliable presence for several teams, including the Yankees, White Sox, and Phillies. That kind of stability is worth the investment when the Red Sox are looking to bolster their bullpen without having to break the bank.
The $7.1 million figure is also notable because it’s not a significant overpay in today’s MLB landscape. Given that Robertson is a veteran reliever, his deal is likely structured to account for his age and past injury concerns while still compensating him for his leadership and late-inning effectiveness. It’s a short-term investment, one that has the potential to pay off by keeping the bullpen competitive without tying up significant long-term resources.
Moreover, in a volatile bullpen market, Robertson represents a safe bet. There are few guarantees when it comes to relief pitchers, and Robertson has proven time and again that he can maintain his effectiveness even as he ages. For the Red Sox, this is a calculated risk, one that could pay dividends by providing the team with a reliable late-inning arm capable of securing critical outs.
A Proven Postseason Performer
David Robertson’s most notable contribution over the years has been his postseason performances. He’s pitched in over 20 playoff games, compiling a 3.13 ERA and 1.08 WHIP during his postseason career. Robertson is the kind of pitcher you want in high-stakes games, whether it’s a division race or a wild-card tiebreaker. His experience in the postseason provides him with the mental fortitude to thrive when the pressure is on.
For the Red Sox, who have aspirations of reaching the postseason and beyond, this experience could be invaluable. Boston’s bullpen has historically struggled to perform under the bright lights, but Robertson’s track record of thriving in those situations could bring a much-needed sense of calm and reliability to the late innings of tight games.
In 2024, Robertson showed that he still has what it takes to pitch effectively in the later stages of games. He posted 10 saves with the Marlins, proving that he could handle closer duties if needed. His ability to close out games—or at least lock down high-leverage situations—gives the Red Sox flexibility, allowing manager Alex Cora to adjust his bullpen roles as needed.
How Robertson Fits in the Red Sox Bullpen
The Red Sox bullpen has a mix of young, talented arms and experienced veterans, but it lacks a true, reliable bridge to the closer’s role. Robertson is well-suited to fill this gap. While he may not be a traditional closer at this stage of his career, he’s capable of getting critical outs in the seventh and eighth innings—critical roles in any bullpen. With his strikeout stuff and ability to limit walks, Robertson can give the Red Sox a reliable late-inning arm, someone who can lock down games in a setup role or take on closing duties if needed.
One key factor is the Red Sox’s current closer situation. As of now, the team has not secured a lockdown closer, which means Robertson could play a key role in filling that gap. His experience in high-leverage innings would allow him to thrive in a setup role or step in as a closer if the situation demands it. In either case, his presence in the bullpen would give Cora more flexibility and options when it comes to managing late-inning situations.
The Competitive AL East Landscape
For the Red Sox, 2025 is shaping up to be a make-or-break year. The American League East is one of the most competitive divisions in all of baseball, with the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays all fielding formidable rosters. The Red Sox, who finished a disappointing fourth in the AL East in 2024, need to make a concerted effort to build a bullpen that can keep pace with these teams in tight games.
Adding Robertson gives the Red Sox a steadying presence in the bullpen, someone who can provide valuable innings and make sure the team doesn’t lose ground in crucial late-season matchups. While Robertson’s signing won’t be the sole factor in determining the team’s success, it’s a smart, low-risk move that could pay big dividends for a team hoping to contend in a highly competitive division.
Conclusion: A Calculated Risk Worth Taking
The Red Sox’s $7.1 million investment in David Robertson is a calculated risk, but one that could pay off in a big way. While Robertson may not be the same dominant force he once was, his experience, strikeout ability, and track record in high-leverage situations make him an appealing addition to a bullpen that desperately needs stability. In a year where the Red Sox will face stiff competition in the AL East, having a reliable late-inning option like Robertson could be the difference between a playoff berth and another frustrating season.
If the Red Sox’s gamble pays off, Robertson could be the anchor their bullpen needs, giving them a steadying presence in the most critical moments of the game. And for just $7.1 million, the potential reward far outweighs the risk.
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