Cubs rumors: Deadline bullpen help could come from surprising name

If the Chicago Cubs are looking for bullpen help ahead of the MLB trade deadline, it may not be a trade that they make to address the need. Will Sammon of The Athletic reports that former Cubs closer David Robertson has been throwing for interested teams recently, with the hope that he could sign before the end of the season.

"Several teams, including the New York Mets and New York Yankees, have at least recently looked into Robertson, league sources said. Multiple teams expect to attend one of his throwing sessions within the next week."

Part of the reason why Robertson entered the season unsigned, despite having interest from teams, was due to his asking price. Speculation was that Robertson was previously seeking a deal in the range of $14MM. With two months and change left in the season, Robertson's asking price certainly should have come down by now.

In 68 appearances with the Texas Rangers last season, Robertson posted a 3.00 ERA while striking out over 33 percent of the hitters he faced. If that is any indication, Robertson, at the age of 40, can still be an effective high-leverage relief pitcher for an interested contender.

Familiar face could be bullpen answer before deadline

While Sammon did not mention the Cubs among the group of teams recently looking into him, chances are the front office will have a presence at any future throwing sessions. If nothing else, Jed Hoyer love to gather information on any potential available pitcher.

The Cubs have their hands in several cookie jars ahead of the trade deadline, with a need for a starting pitcher, third baseman/utility man, and bullpen. Depending on the starting pitcher the Cubs target, they may not have the prospect capital to check off every item of need at the deadline.

That could make Robertson an ideal fallback option for the Cubs. He likely wouldn't immediately serve as the team's closer, as he was in 2022 before being traded with the Phillies, but he would be another high-leverage arm to add to the bullpen while giving another safety net for young closer Daniel Palencia.

More Cubs Rumors from Cubbies Crib