Cubs Hoping To Revive A Former Top Reliever

The Chicago Cubs are, quietly, putting together a solid team for the 2022 season.

They secured Wade Miley, Marcus Stroman, Yan Gomes, and Clint Frazier before the lockout.

Today, they secured the services of top international outfielder Seiya Suzuki on a five-year deal and just signed a formerly great relief pitcher: David Robertson.

“The #Cubs announce they have signed veteran closer David Robertson. He has battled injuries and has pitched just 18.2 innings since leaving the #Yankees after the 2018 season,” MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported on Wednesday afternoon.

The #Cubs announce they have signed veteran closer David Robertson. He has battled injuries and has pitched just 18.2 innings since leaving the #Yankees after the 2018 season.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 16, 2022

During his prime, with the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox, Robertson was virtually untouchable.

Age (he is currently 36) and injuries have limited him in recent years, but this is a low-risk move by Chicago.

A Solid, Low-Risk Move By The Sneaky-Good Cubs

The deal is a one-year, $3.5 million commitment, with another $1.5 million in performance-based bonuses.

Injuries limited Robertson to just 12 games with the Tampa Bay Rays in the regular season, but they were good frames, as he posted a 4.50 ERA, with a much better 3.67 Fielding Independent Pitching, or FIP.

Robertson showed he can still miss bats, as he fanned 16 foes in the 12 innings.

Additionally, he was very good in the playoffs, as he tossed four scoreless innings with two strikeouts in the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox.

With the Cubs, D-Rob can be a high-leverage option in the back of the bullpen, especially now that Codi Heuer will be out of action for a while.

Robertson could even gain the closer role eventually if he returns to full form, which is entirely possible.

It was a very solid signing for the Cubs.