Phillies Acquire Closer David Robertson From the Chicago Cubs
The Phillies just added to their pen by reuniting with David Robertson, who could become their closer after a strong first half with the Cubs.
The Philadelphia Phillies have made a move that will go a long way to solidifying their bullpen, acquiring closer David Robertson from the Chicago Cubs.
After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019, this was the first season where David Robertson returned fully healthy and it has been a renaissance for one of the better relievers of the past decade.
The 37-year-old has pitched to a stellar 2.23 ERA with the Cubs this season, eventually earning the job as their closer where he saved 14 games. This is a return to Philadelphia for Robertson, who signed with the Phillies prior to the 2019 season, when he would eventually tear his UCL and require Tommy John.
Robertson now gives the Phillies another option alongside Corey Knebel that can close out games or just pitch in high-leverage situations as a set-up man. In exchange for Robertson, the Cubs acquired pitching prospect Ben Brown from Philadelphia.
Brown is a 6’6″ right-hander who was drafted in the 33rd round out of high school back in 2017. The 22-year-old is currently pitching in High-A, where he has a 3.70 ERA across 73 innings pitched. What is really impressive about Brown though is the strikeouts, as he has racked up 105 Ks for a K/9 of 12.9. Brown was the Phillies No. 26 prospect according to MLB.com.
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Ryan Finkelstein is the Managing Editor of Just Baseball, and also hosts Locked On Mets, the No. 1 daily podcast on the New York Mets.