What to do with David Robertson?

David Robertson was a good closer for the Chicago White Sox in 2015. However, the question going forward is what to do with him. Considering the fact that he is coming off of a good year, would it make sense to move him now? While the team’s plans are unknown, it may make sense to get rid of some of that payroll if possible.

The reason I am saying this is because Robertson’s contract is quite large for a closer. Meaning if they wait one year too long to move him, they are stuck. Bad contracts weigh a team down, and prevent them from bringing in other players. While I am not saying that Robertson is a bad contract or will be, it is just a possibility that it could become one.

On the other hand, the White Sox could keep him. If they want to compete, they are going to need a good closer, which Robertson is. The issue is the fact that they will need a whole lot else. Erik Johnson and Frankie Montas may have to be moved in that case, and that means another starter would have to be added to the rotation (in the case of Johnson being moved).

The White Sox are in a bit of a bind when it comes to Robertson. If they do want to deal him, I am not sure how much value he has on the trade market. While Craig Kimbrel brought back a lot of a good prospects for the San Diego Padres, keep in mind a few things.

First of all, Kimbrel may be the best closer in the game. Second, he is lights out with the game on the line. Robertson is good, however Kimbrel has been a shutdown closer over his career. While getting Robertson out of Chicago just to lower payroll might make sense, I don’t think the team is going to get a lot of difference making players in return.

Overall, there are going to be several factors when it comes to Robertson staying or leaving Chicago’s South Side. If he is going to go, the team could be rebuilding or moving payroll to add other contracts.

Assuming he stays, the White Sox will be standing pat this offseason or making additions to what is already on the team. Robertson is an interesting case due to the fact that he has such a large contract for a reliever. With the White Sox being a team that doesn’t have unlimited resources, they may have to make some tough decisions. Hopefully this offseason it will turn out to be winning decisions.