Free Agent High-Leverage Reliever Working Out For Teams In Interesting Red Sox Wrinkle

The clear consensus around baseball is that the Boston Red Sox will be buyers at the trade deadline.

Could an impact bullpen arm for them actually come via free agency?

Boston has had a reliable bullpen this season — anchored by All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman. But relief pitching is so fickle, and any team that thinks they might be in contention tends to go to the relief pitching well.

One interesting option has presented itself, though: David Robertson.

The Athletic reported Tuesday that Robertson has been working out for teams, with several interested.

Robertson is 40, but coming off a 2024 season where he remained a reliable reliever for the Texas Rangers. He’s bounced around following a lengthy run with the New York Yankees, but has had success most places and would bring 42 games of postseason experience to a club.

The Red Sox have done a largely good job setting the table for Chapman. Greg Weissert has been great, and so too was Justin Slaten before he got injured. Slaten is likely to return later this season, but it would benefit the Red Sox to add someone who can rack up holds and ease the burden on the others.

Teams don’t generally have to give up huge hauls in trades for relievers unless it’s a major seller’s market or a star closer. Still, going the free agency route would allow the Red Sox to preserve some assets for other deals.

Robertson finished with a 3.00 ERA and 1.111 WHIP with Texas last season across 68 appearances before declining his mutual option. He ultimately didn’t find a deal he liked in free agency over the winter.