You would think splitting a four-game series on the road against a tough team and one of the best offenses in baseball would be somewhat positive, but right now Cubs fans are seeing red. If not, they’re curled up in a ball replaying the eighth inning of Sunday’s bullpen meltdown over and over again in their head. A 6-2 Cubs lead ended in a 10-6 loss against the Diamondbacks and although we’re only six games into the regular season there are some glaring red flags in the bullpen.
Nate Pearson has been awful. A guy who can throw 99mph, but even when he was going good in a small sample size with the Cubs in 2024, he was getting hit hard. Pearson has made it worse so far in 2025, by walking guys, four, all who ended up scoring in two relief outings in Arizona.
I love Porter Hodge. He has filthy stuff. He’s also battled some command issues early on. Despite three scoreless appearances Hodge has not been dialed in on the mound. Still, I’m least concerned about him. However, veteran closer Ryan Pressly is making Cubs fans utter Hector Neris 2.0 and I can’t really blame them.
Pressly was lucky to escape Saturday night with a Cubs win and while he has a track record to fall back on he has not pitched well all spring. It’s a concern for sure right now and you’re kind of just hoping he gets it together.
The Cubs need something more in the bullpen. Maybe we see Daniel Palencia up from Triple-A this upcoming week, but I want a guy still available in free agency. It’s time. Sign David Robertson.
It’s time.pic.twitter.com/KCrFDdix6I
— Aldo Soto (@AldoSoto21) March 31, 2025
The Chicago Cubs were actively looking to add one or multiple(?) high-leverage relievers. They ended up trading for Ryan Pressly, but veteran David Robertson was also on their radar this past offseason.
According to Chicago baseball insider Bruce Levine, Robertson had been in talks with the Cubs about a reunion. Back in 2022, Robertson signed a one-year deal on the North Side following his first season back from Tommy John surgery. The long-time reliever had a resurgence in the past three seasons and as he prepares to enter his age-40 season in 2025, Robertson appeared to be in talks with to return to the Cubs.
Ageless David Robertson has talked to Cubs about returning as a backend bullpen man. Robertson is one of the few players who does not use an agent.Cubs had interest in Paul Seward before he signed with Cleveland.Robby pitched for Cubs in 2022.99 K in 72 innings in 24.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) January 24, 2025
Robertson missed almost all of the 2019 season, did not return in 2020 and was limited to 12 innings with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, when the reliever was fully recovered from Tommy John surgery. The Cubs signed him to a deal worth $3.5 million in guaranteed money and $1.5 million in incentives.
After recording a 2.23 ERA and 14 saves with the Cubs in 36 appearances Robertson was traded to the Phillies for pitching prospect Ben Brown. Robertson finished the year with a 2.40 ERA in 63.2 innings between his time in Chicago and Philadelphia. Since then, the righty has pitched for the New York Mets, Miami Marlins and spent last season with the Texas Rangers.
Despite his age, Robertson has been one of the most consistent relievers in the game during the past three years.
David Robertson 2022-24
2022: 63.2 IP, 2.40 ERA, 30.7 K%, 13.3 BB%, 1.16 WHIP
2023: 65.1 IP, 3.03 ERA, 29.0 K%, 9.3 BB%, 1.19 WHIP
2024: 72 IP, 3.00 ERA, 33.4 K%, 9.1 BB%, 1.11 WHIP
Those 2024 numbers were elite, 99 strikeouts ranked sixth most among all relievers and Robertson’s 33.4 K% was actually well ahead of Tanner Scott’s 28.6 K%.
Could it completely back fire for the Cubs signing a 40-year-old reliever when the season has already started? Sure, but it’s a bet they should seriously consider because at this point there are far too many question marks in the bullpen than initially anticipated. At this point it shouldn’t even cost the Cubs that much money to bring in Robertson.
It’s better than sitting on your hands and simply wishing for things to get better.
