Reds: 3 veteran free agent relievers Cincinnati should sign right away

3. The Reds could sign David Robertson, who’s coming off injury.

It’s a big gamble to sign a 36-year-old who’s coming off Tommy John surgery, especially when that player suffered a setback in his recovery. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, and signing David Robertson could bring the Cincinnati Reds bullpen some much needed relief.

Robertson underwent Tommy John surgery in August of 2019. Timetable for recovery is easily a year, if not longer. Robertson suffered a setback in his rehab, and was cut loose by the Philadelphia Phillies after his option was bought out following the 2020 season.

Robertson is the best relief pitcher still on the open market. After self-negotiating a two-year/$23M contract with Philadelphia prior to the 2019 season, you might assume that Robertson might come a high price. However, an aging pitcher coming off Tommy John surgery doesn’t have a lot of leverage in negotiations.

In 661 career appearances, David Robertson owns a 2.90 ERA and 137 career saves. If David Bell is looking for a reliable closer, Robertson is your guy. Tag-teaming Robertson and Doolittle at the back of the bullpen would give Bell a left-handed and right-handed option to finish out a game. Of course, Lucas Sims is nice option to have as well.

The Cincinnati Reds can no longer sit on their hands and expect some of their young pitchers to be the answer this season. Cincinnati has already turned to veteran pitcher Heath Hembree and the right-hander has shined thus far. Perhaps one of these veteran relievers would help add some stability to the Reds bullpen.