Former NY Mets player is expected to repeat a long free agency, this time by choice

Spring training is important, but is it really necessary? The lack of appearing in a fair ramp up for the coming season is sometimes used as an excuse. Starting pitchers, in particular, seem to struggle when they miss a large chunk of the start of the season and have to go into regular season action after a few rehab starts. If the speculation is true, former New York Mets pitcher David Robertson doesn’t seem to believe he needs to head to Florida or Arizona next February and March.

Although not fully by design, he bypassed spring training last year only to sign in late July with the Philadelphia Phillies. He pitched well in the regular season, posting a 4.08 ERA. He got bombed in his one playoff appearance. We’d need a larger cluster of pitchers following this trend to know if it works or not. It looks good on paper for a veteran.

Regardless if it ensures health at the end of the year or not, it’s exactly what Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski belives is what Robertson will do again.

If the Mets or anyone else wants to sign David Robertson, they’re going to have to wait again

Robertson is different from most players. He has been his own agent since 2019. Other players haven’t followed despite the ease at which it seems like some contracts could be negotiated at all levels.

It’s an interesting midseason target to have in mind, benefitting Robertson above anyone else. It saves him from what happened in 2023 as a member of the Mets. Traded in July to the Miami Marlins, it uprooted him from what he anticipated was a sure thing. The Mets were as loaded as anyone that year. Staying in New York for the full year was a safe bet.

Sitting out has its obvious consequence. Availability for two months tells us money isn’t Robertson’s priority. Clearly, if he wants to wait a while, it’s so he can sign with a known contender while getting a pro-rated salary.

Robertson turns 41 next April. This seems like a wise way to get him his second World Series ring. His first, won as a member of the 2009 New York Yankees, is getting a little dusty.

As long as the Mets are winning next year, we should expect Robertson’s name to once again be one we discuss to replace whatever hole there is in the bullpen due to injury or as an upgrade over a failed free agent. The Mets didn’t seem to make a strong push to sign him this year. How enticing will a 41-year-old who hasn’t pitched in 9 months going look next July?