The Chicago Cubs are actively looking to add one or multiple(?) high-leverage relievers and the latest name to publicly surface is 39-year-old David Robertson.
According to Chicago baseball insider Bruce Levine, Robertson has been in talks with the Cubs about a reunion. Back in 2022, Robertson signed a one-year deal on the North Side following his first season back from Tommy John surgery. The long-time reliever has had a resurgence in the past three seasons and as he prepares to enter his age-40 season in 2025, Robertson could be returning to the Cubs.
Ageless David Robertson has talked to Cubs about returning as a backend bullpen man. Robertson is one of the few players who does not use an agent.Cubs had interest in Paul Seward before he signed with Cleveland.Robby pitched for Cubs in 2022.99 K in 72 innings in 24.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) January 24, 2025
Robertson missed almost all of the 2019 season, did not return in 2020 and was limited to 12 innings with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, when the reliever was fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. The Cubs signed him to a deal worth $3.5 million in guaranteed money and $1.5 million in incentives.
After recording a 2.23 ERA and 14 saves with the Cubs in 36 appearances Robertson was traded to the Phillies for pitching prospect Ben Brown. Robertson finished the year with a 2.40 ERA in 63.2 innings between his time in Chicago and Philadelphia. Since then, the righty has pitched for the New York Mets, Miami Marlins and spent last season with the Texas Rangers.
Despite his age, Robertson has been one of the most consistent relievers in the game during the past three years.
David Robertson 2022-24
2022: 63.2 IP, 2.40 ERA, 30.7 K%, 13.3 BB%, 1.16 WHIP
2023: 65.1 IP, 3.03 ERA, 29.0 K%, 9.3 BB%, 1.19 WHIP
2024: 72 IP, 3.00 ERA, 33.4 K%, 9.1 BB%, 1.11 WHIP
Those 2024 numbers were elite, 99 strikeouts ranked sixth most among all relievers and Robertson’s 33.4 K% was actually well ahead of Tanner Scott’s 28.6 K%.
Meanwhile, the Cubs are also engaged in trade talks with the Houston Astros for veteran reliever Ryan Pressly. The 36-year-old has a no-trade clause and it appears as though the right-hander is mulling over the decision to accept Chicago as his new home for the 2025 season.
The Cubs aren’t the only team interested in the Astros’ relief pitcher, but according to Jon Heyman, they might be the team he ultimately chooses based on his preferences.
Astros relief star Ryan Pressly, pursued seriously by 3 teams, has full no-trade and told the Astros he’s disinclined to go East or West. So that’s a “no” for Jays, 1 of the teams. He hasn’t committed either way yet on Cubs, who’re trying @BNightengale 1st on Cubs interest
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 24, 2025
So, I guess the question is whether the Cubs are considering acquiring both Pressly and Robertson or one of the two.
As much as I like the idea of adding Robertson because of his recent track record, I also recognize that he may end up being bad in 2025 and those chances only get higher as he enters his 40s. Same goes with Pressly, who despite having a great career, has concerning red flags following an OK 2024 season that saw a decreased strikeout rate and dropped velocity.
We’ll see what direction the Cubs go as the team attempts to solidify the bullpen following an atrocious couple months from high-leverage relievers in 2024 that led to them missing the playoffs.
