MLB Player News

Free agent reliever David Robertson, who turned down a one-year, $15.3 million qualifying offer from the Yankees, is looking for "Papelbon money," a baseball official with knowledge of the negotiations told ESPN.

Jonathan Papelbon signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Phillies in 2011, which was the richest overall contract for a reliever. If Papelbon finishes 15 games in 2015, then his contract vests for a fifth year at $13 million, which would increase the value of the contract to $63 million.

If Robertson can land a deal similar to Papelbon's contract, then it appears doubtful the Yankees would match the offer. Because Robertson declined his qualifying offer, the Yankees would receive a draft pick as compensation, if he signs with another team.

The Tigers will not be pursuing free agent closer David Robertson, Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski told the New York Post. 

The Tigers were viewed as a team that could target Robertson in free agency, but Dombrowski said the organization picked up Joakim Soria's $7 million option to avoid the late-inning relief market.

Robertson turned down the Yankees' one-year, $15.3 million qualifying offer. If he signs with another team, New York will receive draft-pick compensation.

Yankees closer David Robertson has turned down the team's one-year, $15.3 million qualifying offer, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman. If Robertson chooses to sign with another team, the Yankees will receive draft-pick compensation.

Robertson had a career-high 39 saves in 2014, which was his first full season as the team's closer in place of the retired Mariano Rivera. He had a 4-5 record, 3.08 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 63 outings. He also struck out 13.4 batters per nine innings.

As anticipated, the Yankees offered closer David Robertson a $15.3 million qualifying offer Monday for the 2015 season. Robertson will have one week to accept or decline the offer.

Robertson filled in admirably for the Yankees following the retirement of legendary closer Mariano Rivera after the 2013 season. In 2014, he had 39 saves with a 3.08 ERA.

The Yankees are leaning toward giving closer David Robertson a qualifying offer, according to CBSSports.com Baseball Insider Jon Heyman.

While the move is not official, the club is thinking of extending the $15.3 million offer to Robertson. If Robertson receives the offer, he can either return to the Yankees for one year at that price, or decline and seek more money on the market. If Robertson leaves, the Yankees would be eligible to receive a draft pick as compensation. Robertson was fantastic in his first season as the team's closer, posting a 3.08 ERA and 39 saves over 64 1/3 innings. 

The Royals have traded right-hander Liam Hendriks to the Blue Jays, per Fox Sports, which is further reporting that they are expected to receive a catcher in return.

Hendriks opened the year with Toronto before getting shipped off to Kansas City in July. He did not perform well for either team and finished the year with a 1-2 record and 5.23 ERA.

The Royals have designated pitcher Liam Hendriks for assignment. Hendriks posted a 5.23 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 23:7 K:BB ratio in 32 2/3 innings during the regular season.

The Twins have sent pitcher Yohan Pino and infielder Doug Bernier outright to Triple-A Rochester, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.

Bernier elected free agency, and Pino is expected to become a free agent as well. Pino made his major-league debut in 2014 and finished the season with a 5.07 ERA and 50:14 K:BB ratio in 60 1/3 innings over 11 starts. Bernier was just 2 for 7 with the Twins in 2014.

Rays starting pitcher Alex Colome dominated the Indians in his final start of the year on Saturday, scattering four hits over 6 1/3 scoreless innings to improve 2-0. He struck out six and issued only one walk in a 2-0 victory. Of his 79 pitches, 51 were strikes.

Colome ends his season with a 2.66 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and a 13:10 K:BB ratio over 23 2/3 innings of work.

Red Sox pitcher Joe Kelly earned a win Saturday, giving up four earned runs on nine hits and two walks in 7 1/3 innings while striking out three in his team's 10-4 victory over the Yankees.

Kelly (6-4) delivered six scoreless innings before the Yankees pushed home a run in the seventh and did more damage in the eighth. He ends up 4-2 in his time in Boston, with all four of his wins coming in his last five starts. Kelly ends the season with a 4.20 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 66:42 K:BB ratio in 96 1/3 innings.