Photo Credit: Tim Farrell/The Star-Ledger
The New York Yankees made a $15.3 million qualifying offer to David Robertson, 29, prior to the 5 p.m. deadline today. Robertson will have one week to accept the offer or deny it. If he accepts the offer, he could become the first major leaguer to take the offer because, on an open market, it is not guaranteed that he would find that kind of salary for one season.
In the event that he ends up leaving as a free agent, the Yankees would ultimately be eligible for a first-round pick as compensation. If he were to leave via free agency, the Yankees could promote Dellin Betances to the closer role. Betances was an All-Star as a rookie and struck out 135 batters in 90 innings. Regardless, Robertson will have to weigh the risk of making the larger salary in the next coming year, with no guarantees for the future with the security of a longer deal for a lesser yearly average value.
In 2014, Robertson, made 5.25 million. While replacing Mariano Rivera, Robertson had a great season, converting 39 of 44 save opportunities with an ERA of 3.08, and a WHIP of 1.06. He struck out more than 13 batters per nine innings. The highest paid reliever this year was Rafael Soriano with $14 million.
