Report: Astros express interest in David Robertson
The market for David Robertson has yet to fully reveal itself, but it appears one unlikely suitor has entered the fray.
A source tells Ken Davidoff of the New York Post that the Houston Astros have checked in with Robertson's agent, Scott Leventhal, to indicate the club's interest in the 29-year-old reliever. Davidoff's report references an earlier story from MLB.com that suggests the Astros were preparing to make an aggressive run at a closer this winter.
Robertson would certainly make for a bold signing, given the Astros' small-spending ways in recent seasons. The Astros' payroll last year of $50.5 million falls below the total figure of Robertson's reported contract demands.
There have been rumblings, however, that Houston's rebuilding efforts have reached a point where the club is willing to increase its payroll.
The New York Yankees are said to be interested in re-signing Robertson, who flourished in his first season as the club's closer last year. He struck out 96 batters in 64 1/3 innings in 2014, pitching to a 3.08 ERA and 1.06 WHIP. His 39 saves ranked third among American League relievers.
New York would appear to be in a much better position to meet the demands of Robertson, who's reportedly seeking a deal in the neighborhood of four years and $52 million. Robertson declined the Yankees' $15.3-million qualifying offer earlier this month, ensuring them draft-pick compensation should he sign with another team.
Signing a high-priced closer such as Robertson seems unlikely for a club like the Astros, who received adequate ninth-inning production from inexpensive right-hander Chad Qualls last season. The 36-year-old veteran saved 19 games for Houston in 2014, authoring a 3.33 ERA and 1.15 WHIP across 51 1/3 innings.
Qualls is under contract for $3 million next year and carries a $3.5-million team option (and $250,000 buyout) for 2016.