3 Padres moves to build unreal super-team after signing Xander Bogaerts
By Tim Boyle
2) Padres should fortify their bullpen by signing free agent David Robertson
There’s a very important reason to bring in David Robertson. Although it’s Josh Hader who should be the favorite for closer cuties next year, fans saw enough to question whether or not he will be prone to implosion. Robertson is someone who would be a strong setup man and also a closer alternative if the worst-case scenario does happen for Hader.
Robertson had a remarkable comeback season in 2022 with the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. Padres fans got to know him well in the NLCS. He appeared in 3 games for Philadelphia. Aside from one home run he allowed to San Diego, Robertson was lights out in the postseason tossing 7.2 total innings for Philadelphia.
The Padres bullpen was not spectacular last season which is a major reason why they did turn to Hader. Bringing Taylor Rogers back is definitely out of the question. He’s actually a serious candidate to replace Robertson on the Phillies roster.
In building a super-team, a setup man doesn’t necessarily jump out as the priority. It’s a must for San Diego. Otherwise, those days when Bogaerts, Machado, and Soto slump will put a strain on their starting pitching staff. The Padres underachieved in the regular season last year both at the plate and on the mound. A relatively average team in many areas, one final big move for them would be to secure the rotation with more than just depth.