A way-too-early Pittsburgh Pirates free agent wishlist for 2024-25 offseason

David Robertson

David Robertson is an ageless wonder that has seemingly flown under the radar for quite some time. One of the few active members of the 2006 draft class, the veteran right-handed reliever is coming off his ninth season with an ERA+ above 120 in 50+ innings pitched, and he has shown little to no signs of slowing down.

Robertson has a 3.27 ERA, 2.61 FIP, and 1.15 WHIP in 66 innings for the Texas Rangers this season. His 34.1% strikeout rate is the best he’s posted since 2017. He has also not been prone to allowing free passes with an 8.4% walk rate, and has only allowed home runs at an 0.68-per-9 rate.

Robertson is currently above the 65th percentile of both exit velocity (88.2 MPH) and hard-hit rate (37.1%), and he’s been well above average at limiting both contact and quality contact. Opponents swing and miss at his stuff 29.4% of the time, which is in the top 79th percentile. His 6% barrel rate is also among the best, clocking in at the top 80th percentile this year.

One thing that could make Pittsburgh an attractive destination for a veteran reliever like Robertson is the opportunity to close games out. The Pirates will likely hold auditions for the closer role during spring training and potentially through the first few weeks of next season. Robertson has plenty of experience working out of the ninth inning, recording five seasons where he saved 15+ games, including 18 last year.