The Chicago Cubs are expected to be big players at the winter meetings, but it was their cross-town rivals who made the meetings’ first big splash.
The Chicago White Sox and free-agent closer David Robertson came to an agreement on a four-year contract worth $46 million, according to reports early Tuesday morning. USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale was the first to report the news, and CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman had the financials.
Robertson arguably is the best free-agent closer on the market. He’s coming off a breakout season, his first as a closer with the New York Yankees. The Yankees didn’t miss a beat after the legendary Mariano Rivera retired, as Robertson stepped right in and saved 39 games in 2014. He held opposing batters to just a .192 batting average against.
It was a busy night for the White Sox who reportedly also acquired starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija from the Oakland Athletics.
Thumbnail photo via Anthony Grupposo/USA TODAY Sports Images
