David Robertson Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Star Pitcher

David Robertson turned down the Yankees' qualifying offer ahead of the deadline and has reportedly agreed to terms with the Chicago White Sox. 

Continue for updates.

Tuesday, Dec. 9

Robertson Reportedly Signs With White Sox

Bob Nightengale of USA Today broke the news early Tuesday morning that David Robertson is heading to the Chicago White Sox:

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports provides the details on just how much Robertson will make:

Monday, Dec. 8

White Sox Have "Serious Interest" in Robertson

George A. King III of NYPost.com provided a statement from an anonymous source discussing Chicago's interest in Robertson:

"

The White Sox have serious interest in David Robertson and they aren’t blanching over the elite closer looking for a four-year deal in the $50 million neighborhood.

'They like him a lot and he is definitely on their radar,' said a person with knowledge of Chicago’s offseason plans. 'They have several things they want to do and he is one of them.'

"

Sunday, Dec. 7

Astros Continue to Pursue Robertson

Buster Olney of ESPN reported on the Houston Astros' pursuit of David Robertson:

Friday, Dec. 5

Yankees Willing to Talk to Robertson if Price Drops

ESPN's Buster Olney has the latest on the Yankees and Robertson:

Tuesday, Dec. 2

Yankees May Not Re-Sign Robertson

According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, David Robertson might not be at the top of New York's target list:

"

Star closer David Robertson seems likely to get a four-year deal somewhere – but it probably wouldn't be from his old Yankees team.

The Yankees seem perhaps willing to go four years for a reliever – but in a twist, it seems more likely to be top set-up man Andrew Miller if they do so.

Robertson's market is such that executives are saying they seem him approaching, if not beating, Jonathan Papelbon's $50-million, four-year relief record. But while he seamlessly replaced the iconic Mariano Rivera, it seems he may have to look elsewhere to get it.

"

Monday, Dec. 1

Blue Jays Haven't Ruled Out Robertson

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported on Toronto's interest in David Robertson:

Sunday, Nov. 30

Robertson Could Get Record Deal

Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reported the latest on David Robertson's free agency:

"

David Robertson, the top free agent closer this winter, is said to have such a vibrant mark that he's likely to get a four-year deal despite having a draft pick attached to him by virtue of him declining the Yankees' qualifying offer.

Some around the game questioned whether Robertson was taking an unnecessary risk when he turned down the Yankees' $15.3-million offer, which would have given the highest salary ever for a relief pitcher without ever even testing the market. But one rival executive said he's heard Robertson already has an offer of about $39-million for three years in hand, and that it seems likely with all the outside interest that Robertson will get a four-year offer.

The Yankees, who seem most focused on finding a shortstop to replace the retiring icon Derek Jeter, clearly hope to keep Robertson, about whom GM Brian Cashman raved as the GM meetings, saying he has “all the boxes checked.” But word is, at least initially the Yankees weren't expecting to go to four years.

"

Saturday, Nov. 22

Astros Interested in Robertson

Ken Davidoff of the New York Post has the latest on Robertson:

"

The Astros have communicated with Robertson’s agent Scott Leventhal to express their interest in the Yankees’ closer, an industry source said.

Whether the Astros are willing to go hard enough to give Robertson the four-year contract he desires, for roughly $13 million per season, is unclear. What is clear is Houston has expressed a willingness, through its actions this offseason, to elevate its payroll after fielding some bargain-basement squads, and it also desperately needs relief help if it is to climb back into relevance.

"

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Robertson Seeking Record Deal

Andrew Marchand of ESPN New York reported what he was hearing about David Robertson's hopes for his next contract:

"

New York Yankees free-agent closer David Robertson turned down the chance to have the highest closer salary for one season in baseball history. Now, he has his eyes on the largest contract ever given to a reliever.

Robertson is looking for "Papelbon money" in initial talks with teams, a baseball official with knowledge of the discussions told ESPNNewYork.com.

In 2011, the Philadelphia Phillies signedJonathan Papelbon to the richest overall reliever contract, a four-year, $50 million deal. If Papelbon finishes 15 games in 2015, his contract vests for a fifth year at another $13 million, making it a total of five years and $63 million.

If Robertson and his agent, Scott Leventhal, can persuade one team to offer "Papelbon money," it is doubtful the Yankees would match. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is not a big believer in paying relievers not named Mariano Rivera such large amounts on a multiyear deal.

"

Monday, Nov. 10

The latest on Robertson was passed along by Jack Curry of the YES Network:

Robertson took over the closer role early in the 2014 season but had some up-and-down results. Ultimately, he finished with a 4-5 record with 39 saves, five blown opportunities and 96 strikeouts with 23 walks.

Despite a $15.3 million offer for one season by the Yanks, Robertson opted to turn down the deal. Joel Sherman of The New York Post offers his take on the move by Robertson:

Jason Catania of Bleacher Report passes along what this might mean for New York:

An All-Star in 2011, Robertson has been dependable for several seasons in New York. But filling a role like Mariano Rivera for the Yankees is no easy task for any relief pitcher.    

If the Yankees do not sign Robertson, they would receive draft-pick compensation in the upcoming draft. 

With Dellin Betances shining last season with a 1.40 ERA and earning an All-Star appearance, the Yankees have another young arm to consider for its bullpen.

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