The baseball offseason is often marked by bold moves, blockbuster trades, and major free-agent signings, but sometimes, a player who still has plenty to offer the game finds himself left in the lurch. One such player this winter is **David Robertson**, the veteran reliever who spent the latter part of the 2025 season with the **New York Mets**. Despite his undeniable talent and solid performance in a tough year for the Mets, Robertson remains unsigned as the offseason progresses, leaving many to wonder why he is still available.
With the regular season in the rearview mirror, teams have shifted their focus to bolstering their rosters for 2026. As a result, high-profile names dominate the free-agent market—some are younger stars looking for their first big paydays, while others are veterans hoping for one last run at a championship. However, Robertson, at **38 years old**, has found himself in a curious position, with little apparent interest despite a strong finish to the season and a track record of excellence that includes a World Series ring.
So why, in a time when bullpen depth is critical for teams trying to make a postseason run, is nobody in any rush to sign Robertson? Let’s break down his performance, the current landscape of the free-agent market, and what his situation says about the evolving nature of MLB’s free-agent dynamics.
### **Robertson’s 2025 Season: Proof There’s Fuel Left in the Tank**
First, it’s essential to examine **David Robertson’s performance in 2025** to understand why his value should not be overlooked. After being traded to the Mets from the **Philadelphia Phillies** mid-season, Robertson showed he still had plenty of gas left in the tank. Over 60 innings of work, Robertson posted a respectable **3.09 ERA** with a **1.10 WHIP**. He also registered **73 strikeouts** and converted **13 saves**, showcasing his ability to handle both high-leverage situations and closing duties.
Even more impressive is the fact that Robertson performed admirably in the midst of a turbulent Mets season. The team struggled throughout much of the year, especially in the bullpen, where they cycled through multiple relievers without finding any real stability. Robertson, however, provided steady and dependable relief, offering valuable experience to a younger, developing pitching staff.
It’s not just the stats that make Robertson appealing; it’s his track record. He’s a two-time **All-Star**, has spent a decade in the big leagues, and has been a part of some high-pressure moments, including being part of the **2017 World Series-winning** team with the **Houston Astros**. His ability to adapt to various roles—set-up man, closer, middle reliever—has made him a trusted figure in bullpens across the league.
Despite his impressive credentials and consistency, however, Robertson’s phone hasn’t been ringing off the hook this winter.
### **The State of the Free-Agent Market**
To understand why Robertson remains unsigned, it’s important to take a step back and look at the broader landscape of free agency. The 2025 offseason has been defined by a handful of massive contracts for stars like **Shohei Ohtani**, **Cody Bellinger**, and **Blake Snell**, who commanded top dollar for their services. But the free-agent market, particularly for veteran relievers, is also heavily influenced by trends, financial priorities, and team needs.
#### **Bullpen Depth vs. Big Names**
In recent years, MLB teams have increasingly looked for more cost-effective bullpen solutions. While closers and high-leverage relievers are still highly valued, teams have recognized that spending big money on aging, established veterans can be risky. Instead, many organizations have shifted to developing young talent in their farm systems, focusing on high-velocity pitchers and low-risk deals for veteran relievers to round out their bullpen.
This year, the free-agent market is flooded with a wide array of bullpen options, from young, untested arms to established veterans like Robertson. But there seems to be more demand for **upside** and **youthful promise** rather than steady, reliable hands that have been around for over a decade. Teams have turned their attention to pitchers who are either in their prime years or those who are coming off breakout seasons, hoping to strike gold with fresh arms.
Additionally, some teams have set their sights on locking down their bullpen with multi-year deals for younger players, seeing the long-term value in nurturing them rather than signing a stopgap option like Robertson. His age, despite his strong performance, might be a deterrent for some general managers looking to avoid another potentially expensive veteran on the decline.
#### **The Market for Older Relievers**
There’s also a philosophical shift within baseball when it comes to the role of older players, especially in the bullpen. In the past, teams were more inclined to hand big contracts to aging relievers who could provide veteran leadership and an established track record. However, in recent years, the trend has been towards **avoiding multi-year deals for aging players**, especially relievers, who are often more volatile in terms of performance year to year. Bullpen arms are notoriously difficult to predict, and because they often experience more wear and tear than starters, teams prefer to take chances on younger arms or go with cheaper, one-year options for veterans like Robertson.
#### **High-Profile Closers and Role Confusion**
Another factor contributing to the delay in Robertson’s signing could be the shifting landscape of **closer roles** across the league. The modern bullpen is built on flexibility, and many teams have begun to use their best pitchers in high-leverage situations rather than automatically assigning them to the traditional closer’s role. This has diluted the demand for traditional closers, with teams now more focused on a bullpen-by-committee approach that emphasizes depth over the reliance on one specific player to shut things down.
Robertson’s ability to step into a closer’s role and handle pressure is valuable, but it may not fit into the philosophy of teams looking to spread their high-leverage responsibilities around. This has limited the number of suitors for a player who has excelled in the closer role throughout his career but may not be viewed as the long-term solution for teams that are looking for a committee approach to the bullpen.
### **Why Robertson Still Makes Sense for Several Teams**
Despite the factors that are working against him, **David Robertson still represents an excellent value for the right team**. His experience, versatility, and track record in big moments make him a reliable piece for any contender in need of bullpen depth. While teams might be cautious about giving him a multi-year deal, Robertson is a prime candidate for a **one-year, incentive-laden contract** that could provide solid returns for a contender.
Some teams who might benefit from Robertson’s presence include:
1. **Teams with playoff aspirations**: A veteran arm like Robertson could be invaluable for a team making a playoff push. His presence in the bullpen would give managers flexibility in high-leverage situations.
2. **Teams needing a proven set-up man**: Robertson’s ability to come in and handle tough situations in the eighth inning makes him an ideal candidate for a set-up role. He can bridge the gap to a younger, high-velocity closer who may not yet be ready for full-time closer duties.
3. **Teams that want to mentor younger pitchers**: Robertson’s leadership and experience can help guide younger arms. Teams like the **Miami Marlins** or **Chicago Cubs**—who have young, developing pitchers—could benefit from his mentorship in the clubhouse.
### **Conclusion: A Waiting Game for David Robertson**
As we move deeper into the offseason, David Robertson’s future remains uncertain, but his situation reflects a larger trend in baseball: the devaluation of aging veterans, even those who still perform at a high level. The market for older free agents has become a tricky place to navigate, especially when it comes to bullpen arms, which are often seen as a volatile commodity.
However, while the market may be slow to recognize his value, it seems almost certain that someone will come calling soon. Whether it’s a team looking for a dependable veteran arm in the stretch run or a contender looking to bolster their bullpen depth, Robertson’s proven ability to perform in high-leverage situations ensures that there’s still a role for him in Major League Baseball. It’s only a matter of time before he finds the right fit, and when he does, it’s likely that he’ll continue to be a key contributor, proving once again that there’s still plenty of fuel left in his tank.