The Boston Red Sox signed two-time All-Star Alex Bregman, making him the last major free agent available for the 2024-2025 MLB offseason.
Bregman arrived at the Red Sox spring training camp in Fort Myers, Florida, on Friday morning. Currently, 95 lesser-known free players are awaiting contract offers from new organizations.
The co-host of “Play Tessie,” a popular Boston Red Sox podcast, believes the Red Sox should sign one more player from the current list of 95.
Sammy James of the podcast advised Boston to sign David Robertson, a former right-handed relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. The 39-year-old, 16-year veteran member of the silver medal-winning 2021 USA Olympic baseball team appears to be the final piece for the 2025 Red Sox. “The cherry on top of an already impressive roster,” James wrote on Friday.
Kenley Jansen, a future Hall of Famer, has been the Red Sox’s closer for the past two seasons. At 37, he needs 32 more saves to surpass Lee Smith for third place on the all-time record. However, the Red Sox and Jansen parted ways on difficult terms at the end of his two-year contract. The 15-year veteran will not be the Red Sox’s closer in 2025. Earlier this week, he agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.
The Yankees picked Robertson out of Alabama in 2006. Despite being drafted in the 17th round, Robertson became the Yankees’ closer in 2014, succeeding Mariano Rivera, who retired following the 2013 season.
Roberston, in his seventh major league season, demonstrated unafraid to take over for the renowned Rivera. After saving 39 games in 44 attempts, he signed a four-year, $40 million free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox following the 2014 season. Over the next two seasons, he saved 71 of 85 opportunities for Chicago before being dealt back to the Yankees in July 2017.
Roberston went on to play for six more teams, most recently the Texas Rangers, where he had an ERA of 3.00 in 72 innings and 68 appearances. Robertson, originally from Birmingham, Alabama, now lives with his wife and two children in Barrington, Rhode Island, almost an hour away from Fenway Park.
“He’s 40 years old in April, so conceivably would be more than willing to take a one-year deal. Lives in nearby Rhode Island,” James wrote. “Looked great in 2024 with 99 K’s over 72 IP, 3.00 ERA (2.65 FIP). He has closing experience, AL East experience, playoff experience, etc. He’s also his own agent, which is interesting.”
It is true that Robertson represents himself during contract discussions. Spotrac predicts the veteran reliever will receive a one-year contract for $7.1 million in 2025.
