Cincinnati Reds: David Robertson would be a nice addition to the bullpen

As free agency signings start to fall around the league, it’s only a matter of time before the Cincinnati Reds turn from bystander to buyer. Addressing a need from last season, a certain Yankees pitcher needs to be on the radar.

As the Cincinnati Reds dive into free agency, a priority is relief pitching. Looking for veterans and dominant arms, this target could be under the radar. The Reds should investigate bringing David Robertson to Cincinnati.

The Reds have already started the process of addressing team needs in a very smart way. By re-signing a young and electric closer in Raisel Iglesias to a three year $24.1 million deal, the Reds now need to focus on who sets him up in the later innings. Sticking to the mantra that the Reds will be spenders, you have to hope that translates to more pitching help.

There was plenty of youth in the bullpen that showed bright spots in development. Pitchers like Jared Hughes, Michael Lorenzen, and Tyler Mahle to name a few showed that they can be relied on and fit nicely in a bullpen that needs additional pieces. That additional piece needs to be a veteran pitcher, and New York Yankees’ pitcher David Robertson fits that mold.

Start spreading the news

David Robertson knows what it means to pitch in the bright lights of pressure. Being in New York on what is the most talked about team in baseball, Robertson knows what it takes to perform at that level…postseason included.

His postseason experience alone is enough to help the Reds’ bullpen, but his stats also back up his campaign as a top priority for any team this winter. Robertson is a former All-Star and owns a career 2.88 ERA.

Last season, Robertson finished with an 8-3 record and a 3.23 ERA over 69.2 innings pitched. While that was the most innings he has pitched in his career, Robertson could prove vital if a starting pitcher got rattled early or had a short outing as a bridge to the closer.

Being that Yankee Stadium is a hitters’ park much like Great American, Robertson only gave up seven home-runs in his appearances mirrored by 91 strikeouts. Capped off with an impressive .183 average and 1.03 WHIP, Robertson won’t last long on the market.

It’s all about the money

At age 34 heading into this season, Robertson has proven consistently that he can pitch dominantly when needed most. This dominance is something the Cincinnati Reds can use and benefit greatly from.

With new pitching coach Derek Johnson overseeing him, Robertson’s production could improve even more. Someone of Robertson’s caliber will indeed be an investment and be a price the Reds are willing to pay.

His total salary last season was $13 million and has continued to increase each season he has been a pro. With his age and slight decline last season with what was a “tender shoulder” the team could get him at a manageable price, if not a little less.

This is a huge need for the Reds in terms if bullpen help, but with how hesitant the team has been to pull the trigger it could be too costly. One thing is for sure, and that is Robertson would be a veteran who knows how to pitch well in a hitters’ park.

Moving forward

For other teams similar to the Reds who are looking for bullpen help, Robertson will be at the top of many lists. Now that the ball has started rolling on free agent signings, the Reds need to jump on it now before it’s too late. With David Robertson’s ability to rack up innings, his contributions could be enough for the price needed to be paid.

Only time will tell if the Cincinnati Reds look elsewhere in the market for older or even younger arms, but one thing is for sure. With amazing additions of a new manager and new pitching coach, it couldn’t be a better time to attack the pitching market than now. The question is, will they?