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Blue Jays Rumors: Toronto ‘Loves’ David Robertson

By Hayden Kane

Sep 5, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher David Robertson (30) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Royals defeated the Yankees 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher David Robertson (30) pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. The Royals defeated the Yankees 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Closer David Robertson is among the most attractive targets in MLB free agency this winter, with the Toronto Blue Jays among the teams interested in signing him.

The Toronto Blue Jays love David Robertson. And why shouldn’t they?

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Robertson is not only an excellent closer; he proved his worth in an especially difficult circumstance, under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium and as the first closer not named Mariano Rivera for those New York Yankees. That’s not to mention the fact that he is surely a pleasant young man.

Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reports that the Blue Jays are quite interested in signing Robertson and have started those talks in motion:

"The Blue Jays “love” closer David Robertson, according to one industry source, and have engaged in dialogue with Robertson’s agent Scott Leventhal."

Why the quotes around “love”? That’s an awfully cryptic source. Do they not actually love him, but rather sarcastically “love” him? Is there even more to their affection for him than meets the eye? The door has been left open for so many interpretations, really.

The Blue Jays are clearly an aggressive team this off-season, having already signed Russell Martin and traded for Josh Donaldson. The Martin signing is especially important in this context, as it already cost the Blue Jays their first round pick. That likely makes them more willing to go down this road with Robertson, who declined a $15.3 million qualifying offer from the Yankees.

We surely have not seen the last of Toronto’s big moves this off-season, and adding an elite closer would be another step towards contention for them in the American League East.

David Robertson recorded 39 saves in 63 appearances last season, posting a 3.08 ERA and striking hitters out at a ridiculous 13.4 K/9 clip. He is 29 years old and likely seeking at least a four year deal in free agency, with at least a $39 million deal reportedly on the table. That length of contract is a risk for relievers, but one the Blue Jays would surely be willing to take given their approach this winter.

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