MLB rumors: Yankees’ David Robertson to Red Sox? Why it could happen

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is shopping for starting pitching. But he also needs to work on the bullpen, with relievers Zach Britton and David Robertson hitting free agency. The Boston Red Sox, who could be looking for a new closer if Craig Kimbrel bolts, might be interested in both Britton and Robertson.

The Yankees are shopping for starting pitching during the offseason, with Brian Cashman hoping to add at least one more arm to the rotation.

But Cashman will also have some work to do in the bullpen, with Zach Britton and David Robertson hitting free agency.

Cashman could end up watching Robertson sign with the Yankees’ biggest rival, per MLB reporter Bryan Hoch:

David Robertson is representing himself this offseason. He has spoken to Brian Cashman, who said the righty would prefer to pitch for a team near his Rhode Island home. (That does include New York).

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Rob Bradford, from WEEI in Boston, explains why the Red Sox could land Robertson:

Obviously, the pitcher’s preferences suggest the leaders in the clubhouse to reel in the 34-year-old are both teams in New York and Boston. The Yankees’ interest in the late-inning reliever is obvious. The Mets would seemingly have a need, as well. And the Red Sox? It’s a possibility.

With closer Craig Kimbrel potentially leaving via free agent it would make some sense the Red Sox could be in the market for a potential game-ender, with Matt Barnes and Ryan Brasier already representing in-house possibilities. A run at Robertson, who has put up nine straight seasons of 60 or more innings, would be logical.

He is a proven late-inning guy who would seemingly cost in the neighborhood of some other imperfect free agent options (Andrew Miller, Adam Ottavino, Jeurys Familia, Zach Britton, Joe Kelly), with MLB Trade Rumors projecting Robertson’s market at three years, $33 million.

Robertson dominated in his four appearances at Fenway Park in 2018, allowing one hit in 13 at-bats against him. For his career, the righty possesses a 2.06 ERA at Fenway with a .228 batting average against.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.