According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees and White Sox are now including former Yankees reliever David Robertson in their trade talks for starter Jose Quintana.
The #Yankees have expanded their Jose Quintana talks with #Whitesox that would include closer David Robertson, if Sox eat part of contract
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 27, 2016
This makes a lot of sense for both sides. The White Sox are rebuilding, and want to shed as much payroll as possible. If the Yankees take on most of the $25 million owed to Robertson over the next two years, they may avoid having to give up a Gleyber Torres or Clint Frazier to acquire Quintana. A package of good, but not great prospects in exchange for Robertson’s contract and Quintana could put the Yankees over the top in negotiations.
“D-Rob” is not the same pitcher Yankees fans remember. The 31-year-old racked up 37 saves for the White Sox last year, but sported an ugly 4.6 BB/9 and a career-low 10.8 K/9. His “Houdini” act isn’t as effective as it used to be, as he blew 7 saves in 2016. He’s far from the elite reliever he was when he was setting up Mariano Rivera.
Of course, a return to the Yankees could change things. With Aroldis Chapman closing, Robertson could get his setup man role back if Dellin Betances is willing to be used in the 7th inning. He’s still an effective reliever, and would undoubtedly strengthen and solidify the bullpen.
Acquiring Quintana and Robertson without having to part with Torres or Frazier would be a tremendous success for the Yankees, one that would bolster their 2017 postseason odds while keeping their bright future in place. It may be hard for GM Brian Cashman to pass on this one.
