David Robertson is looking to take things to another level in free agency.
Robertson recently rejected the New York Yankees’ one-year, $15.3 million qualifying offer, which would have represented the largest single-season salary ever given to a closer. Now, Robertson is seeking “Papelbon money” in initial talks with teams, a baseball official with knowledge of the discussions told ESPN.com.
Jonathan Papelbon signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies before the 2012 season. It was the richest reliever contract in Major League Baseball history — a fifth year will vest at $13 million if Papelbon finishes 15 games in 2015 — but Robertson evidently wants to blow past the hefty deal.
Former Yankees closer Mariano Rivera earned the largest single-season salary for a reliever in league history when he made $15 million on four separate occasions toward the end of his illustrious career.
While the Yankees clearly are interested in re-signing Robertson this offseason, a Papelbon-like deal might be out of the question. New York has a closer candidate in Dellin Betances and could simply move on from Robertson despite the 29-year-old’s success in his first season as Rivera’s successor.
Robertson, who has long been a valuable reliever, posted a 3.08 ERA in 2014 while saving 39 games.
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