David Robertson Negotiated own Deal to Join New York Mets

David Robertson acted as his own agent to join the Mets this offseason.

An army of one.

Relief pitcher David Robertson acted as his own agent to sign a one-year, $10 million deal with the Mets in the offseason.

After winning a World Series title with the crosstown rival Yankees back in 2009, Robertson has been looking for a second ring, which is why he ultimately chose to sign with the Mets.

“I would love nothing more than to get another ring,” Robertson told Dan Martin of The New York Post. “I keep getting stopped by this team, the Houston Astros. They keep beating me wherever and I’m sick of it. I’m ready to finish on top one more time. I know I can do it and this group can do it. That’s why this was the spot for me.” 

While playing for the Phillies last season, Robertson lost to the Astros in the World Series. The Astros also eliminated the Yankees from the ALCS back in 2017, the year they were electronically stealing signs, while the right-hander was a member of New York's bullpen.

Robertson, who will soon turn 38 next month, negotiated his own deal to return to New York this offseason. He has acted as his own agent since 2019.

Before coming to the Mets, Robertson missed close to two seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He was able to return and be effective down the stretch of 2021 with the Tampa Bay Rays, which earned him a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Chicago Cubs last season. Robertson dominated in 2022 for the Cubs and Phillies, and is looking to do the same with the Mets.

According to Robertson, one advantage of representing himself is that he gets to have one-on-one contact with teams.

“It hasn’t gotten easier, but I have a better feel for what I’m doing when I speak to teams,” Robertson said. “I know a lot of guys on the business side in front offices and it’s easier for me to have a quick conversation with them to find out if they’re in or out. And I don’t have to tell anyone what’s going on, so I can keep teams in the dark, which is better for me.” 

Robertson also doesn't have to pay an agent fee, which is typically around 5 percent of a contract.

“It’s nice to save a little percentage,” Robertson said. “But I also do like having direct conversations with teams. I find it to be better. If they tell me they’re not interested, I understand it and move on and hopefully other teams are calling me.” 

While Robertson's self-representation has caught the attention of other players, he says no one has seriously expressed any interest in going the same route.

“Some guys ask about it, but I don’t recommend it for everybody,” Robertson said. “A lot of contracts are really advanced. Mine are more straightforward and easy at this point in my career. But most people think I’m crazy, which is OK.”

This winter, Robertson was negotiating with an old friend in general manager Billy Eppler, who was the scouting director for the Yankees when Robertson was drafted in 2006.

“I’ve known him since he came out of the University of Alabama,” Eppler said. “Maybe if I didn’t know him that well, the situation would have been different. But we had no problem being open and direct because we knew each other so well.” 

With Robertson getting close to 40, he is hoping to get one more ring before he retires. He believes this title can come with the Mets in 2023.

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