The opening salvo for the Phillies’ trade deadline moves was a deal with the Chicago Cubs for closer David Robertson. Going back to Chicago is well-regarded High-A pitching prospect Ben Brown.
It’ll be the second go around in Philadelphia for the 37-year-old Robertson, as he had a disappointing stay after signing as a free agent in 2019. Recently, Robertson has been a true stopper in the Cubs’ bullpen, hurling 47.1 innings of 2.89 ERA ball with 51 punch outs and a matching 2.89 FIP. The former Yankees All-Star racked up 14 saves on the North Side, but will likely be used in a set up role behind Seranthony Domínguez in the City of Brotherly Love.
RELATED: Phillies Trade For Noah Syndergaard
David Robertson is purely a rental, as he’s set to hit free agency once more at the end of this year. A few months of Robertson didn’t come cheap, as the Phillies parted with emerging starting pitching prospect Ben Brown in exchange for his services. The 22-year-old Brown skyrocketed up the Phillies’ top prospect rankings this season, reaching the number seven spot on Baseball America’s latest rankings. So far at High-A Jersey Shore this season Brown has racked up 105 strikeouts over only 73.0 innings with a terrific 3.08 ERA. The 6’6” righty was one of the better prospects in the Phils’ system behind blue chippers Mick Abel and Andrew Painter, so the Phils are sure hoping the addition of Robertson helps lead to a long postseason run.
RELATED: Phillies Acquire Brandon Marsh