Report: Free-agent closer David Robertson wants 'Papelbon money'

Free-agent reliever David Robertson is seeking to become the highest-paid closer in baseball history and is seeking a contract comparable to what Jonathan Papelbon received three years ago.

Free-agent reliever David Robertson is seeking to become the highest-paid closer in baseball history and wants a contract comparable to what Jonathan Papelbon received three years ago, reports ESPN.com’s Andrew Marchand.

Robertson turned down a one-year, $15.3 million qualifying offer from the New York Yankees last week. If he signs with another team, the Yankees will receive a draft pick in June’s draft as compensation.

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According to the report, Robertson is seeking “Papelbon money” in free agency.

The Philadelphia Phillies signed Papelbon to a four-year, $50 million deal in 2011, making him the highest-paid reliever ever. If Papelbon finishes 15 games next season, he will receive a vested fifth year of his contract, worth $13 million.

Robertson, 29, went 4-5 with a 3.08 ERA, saving 39 games in 44 chances this season with the Yankees. 

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Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has met with Robertson’s agent, Scott Leventhal, but he refused to say if he would give Robertson “Papelbon money."

"Clearly, as a free agent, he is going to maximize his value, period, whatever that turns out to be, but I wouldn't characterize it other than the fact to say he is helluva pitcher that did it in the toughest environment after the greatest player of all-time and he did it with ease,” Cashman told ESPN.com. “I would suspect that would command top dollar."

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