David Robertson Landing Spots: 3 ideal fits for 40-year-old pitcher after $16M Phillies stint

David Robertson didn’t have the smoothest 2025 season, but teams never signed him for smooth; they signed him for trust. The Phillies gave the 40-year-old reliever $16 million for a single season, hoping his experience would help in the late innings.

And for most of the year, that’s exactly how they used him. He’s a veteran who knows the job: come in when the game is close, throw strikes, don’t panic, and hand the ball to the next guy without drama.

His 2025 stats weren’t great with an ERA of 4.08, WHIP in the 1.47 range, 22 strikeouts in 17.2 innings. In 2024 with Texas, he still threw 72 innings with 99 strikeouts and a 3.00 ERA. That tells teams one thing clearly: the arm still works, the strikeouts can still happen, but no one should expect prime-year numbers every night anymore.

Robertson is a relief pitcher only now, and he might not sign long contracts. He wants a club that can compete now, give him late-inning work, and manage his usage without asking too much. With his Phillies contract over, here are three teams where the fit is simple and realistic.

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1. New York Yankees

The Yankees already explored signing Robertson in 2025 before he chose the Phillies.

He started his MLB career in New York and spent many strong seasons there, including making an All-Star team and winning a World Series.

The Yankees don’t need him to close, they just need someone who can throw the seventh or eighth inning when the game gets tight, give them experienced innings, and not demand years on the contract.

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2. Toronto Blue Jays

Toronto has a solid rotation, but their bullpen still lacks enough long-time late-inning experience.

The Jays like vets who can help without blocking the future or asking for big long contracts.

Robertson can throw 3-4 times a week, keep games close, and help a reliever group that needs stability, especially in big moments. A short 1-year deal works for both sides.

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3. Miami Marlins

Miami has young pitchers and some real talent, but their bullpen is still developing and inconsistent at times. Robertson has already thrown in this division and knows the role well.

Miami can protect his usage, give him key late-inning chances, and avoid future salary risk.

If he pitches well in the first half, he could even become a trade option for Miami in July, which is exactly the type of short-term plan the Marlins like.