The Rangers agree David Robertson on a one-year deal in the range of $11 million to $12 million, ESPN's Jeff Passan reports (X Link). The contract is still pending. Jon Heyman of the New York Post (X Link) first reported this afternoon that Texas was showing interest in the right-hander, who is self-represented. Texas will need to create a 40-man roster spot once the deal is finalized.
Robertson split the 2023 season between two NL East clubs. He signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Mets. At first he was considered a setup man, but the players pushed him into the ninth inning Edwin Diaz Injury. Robertson's time in Queens ended shorter than he or the team had imagined, as the club quickly fell out of contention. That wasn't his fault, as Robertson had an outstanding 40-game run as a Met.
He pitched 44 innings with a 2.05 ERA while striking out nearly 28% of opposing batters. For the second year in a row, Robertson was one of the better loan players at deadline. New York sent him to the Marlins, where he got two young talents (Marco Vargas And Ronald Hernandez).
While Miami surprisingly stayed in contention and secured a Wild Card spot, Robertson wasn't immediately successful. He had a tough first month in South Florida, allowing 13 runs (10 earned) with six walks and 10 strikeouts over 10 innings in August. Miami released him from the closer's role toward the end of the month. Robertson responded with a much better September, scoring 19 points while allowing just two runs in his final 10 1/3 frames.
Despite the gaffe early in the second half, the former All-Star had another productive year. He finished the season with a 3.03 earned run average over 65 1/3 innings. Robertson fanned out an above-average 29% of the batters he faced, with a manageable walk rate of 9.3%. He missed bats on a solid 12.6% of his total throws.
The Rangers have made no secret of their desire to expand the bullpen. Texas was one of the supposed frontrunners Hector Neris, arguably the best unsigned relief jug. They were also linked to Ryan Brasier a few weeks ago. Robertson, who turns 39 in April, is available on a one-year contract. Neris and Brasier each have a chance at two years, with Neris likely to exceed the total guarantee secured by Robertson.
Robertson is the second free agent bullpen acquisition of the offseason for GM Chris Young and his front office. The Rangers have inked Kirby Yates to a $4.5 million deal during the winter meetings. Texas lost a trio of bullpen arms to free agency. Aroldis Chapman, Will Smith And Chris Stratton everyone ended up somewhere else. This made the replacement group the shakiest part of the defending champions' squad. Robertson and Yates join in Josh Sborz as bridge options to the closer Jose Leclerc. Texas could still add a left-hander after that Brock Burke The 2023 season was mediocre.
Roster Resource projects a 2024 payroll of around $210 million, not including Robertson. It will put them in the $221-$222 million range. More importantly, the deal takes them into luxury tax territory. Texas had approximately $231 million in CBT obligations prior to this signing. This takes the $240 million mark and exceeds the base threshold of $237 million. Texas exceeded the CBT limit last season and will therefore face increasing penalties for the second year in a row. The Rangers will be taxed at a 32% rate on expenses between $237 million and $257 million.
The tax on signing Robertson is pretty modest. It will land in the $2 million range. The larger impact could impact future tax liabilities on further acquisitions. The offseason has been fairly quiet due to uncertainty surrounding their broadcast deal with Diamond Sports Group, but they are gearing up for another showdown with the Astros at the top of the AL West.
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