While the Philadelphia Phillies' starting rotation has been very good, their lineup and, in particular, the bullpen have scuffled at different points during the 2025 season, especially with the suspension of José Alvarado. Thankfully, a potential (and familiar) solution to the Phillies' bullpen woes may have just revealed itself and it didn't require a trade to get done.
The Major League Baseball trade deadline is less than two weeks away, but Dave Dombrowski and company did not wait to make a move to strengthen the club's relief corps. On Sunday, the Phillies signed David Robertson (paid subscription required), who has been in the big leagues since the club won their last World Series Championship in 2008.
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It was reported that Robertson threw for clubs this weekend, per Tim Kelly of On Pattison. The Phillies were one of the teams on site to watch Robertson's session, and apparently they liked what they saw. The club inked the 39-year-old reliever to a prorated $16 million deal for the remainder of the 2025 season.
The veteran right-hander has not pitched yet this season, but has stayed in shape and is coming off a solid season with the Texas Rangers where he posted a 3.00 ERA over 72 innings. In that span, the well-travelled veteran struck out 99 hitters.
The addition of Robertson may not be the pivotal move that the Phillies need as the second half of the season rolls along, but adding a fresh, experienced arm to a faulty bullpen is a step in the right direction.
This is Robertson's third stint with the Phillies. Prior to the 2019 season, the Phillies signed the right-hander to a two-year $23 million deal. The signing did not go according to plan as he ended up needing Tommy John suregery after just 6 2/3 innings pitched.
Robertson was re-acquired in a trade with the Cubs during the 2022 National League Championship season. Robertson was great during that stint, pitching to a 2.70 ERA over 23 1/3 innings and was a key piece of a bullpen that helped propel the Phillies to the World Series.
Given the fact that he has waited until late July to sign with a club, the right-hander should add a fresh arm to a lackluster Phillies' bullpen. Could there be rust? Sure, but it is worth a shot in this scenario as the organization does not have to dole out any prospects in the acquisition.
The front office may have made a relatively significant move, but this does not preclude the Phillies from making a splash at the trade deadline to further boost the strength of the pitching staff.