In a move that underscores their renewed postseason ambitions, the St. Louis Cardinals have reportedly agreed to a Major League contract with veteran right-handed reliever David Robertson, according to sources from MLB.com. While the deal has yet to be officially announced, league insiders suggest the agreement is already in place and Robertson could join the active roster within days.
Robertson, 40, recently became a free agent after parting ways with the San Diego Padres earlier this season. Despite his age, he continues to display effective command and a reliable arsenal. In his final appearance for San Diego, he tossed a scoreless inning, topping out at 92 mph and generating two swings and misses with his signature cutter.
A well-traveled and highly respected presence in the league, Robertson brings with him a wealth of experience. Across 15 Major League seasons, he’s logged over 1,100 strikeouts, compiled a 2.96 ERA, and secured 175 career saves. Most importantly, he’s no stranger to postseason pressure—having pitched in numerous high-stakes games, including World Series action with the Yankees and Phillies.

The Cardinals’ bullpen has shown promise this season but has struggled in late-game consistency, currently holding a team ERA of 3.84, placing them in the middle tier of the National League. Robertson’s addition could provide a steadying presence and a trusted option in tight ninth-inning scenarios or high-leverage matchups.
Though no longer in his prime, Robertson’s durability, veteran savvy, and playoff résumé make him a strategic asset. His leadership could also prove invaluable in mentoring younger arms on a Cardinals team striving for postseason redemption.
With the NL Central race tightening, this signing signals that St. Louis is not content to simply compete—they’re positioning themselves to contend. The acquisition of David Robertson is not just about shoring up the bullpen—it’s a declaration of intent: the Cardinals are all-in.