White Sox finalize Robertson deal

Dec 10, 2014 - 10:50 PM San Diego, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Chicago White Sox solidified the back end of their bullpen on Wednesday by finalizing a four-year, $46 million deal with closer David Robertson.

Robertson is coming off a 2014 campaign that saw him register 39 saves with 96 strikeouts over 64 1/3 innings for the New York Yankees. He compiled a 4-5 record with a 3.08 earned run average in his first full season taking over the closer role from Mariano Rivera.

"David had an excellent 2014 season in the difficult role of replacing arguably the greatest closer in the history in Mariano Rivera, and before that he established himself as one the top setup men in the game," said White Sox general manager Rick Hahn.

The 29-year-old Robertson was an All-Star in 2011 and has gone 25-19 with a 2.81 ERA and 47 saves in 402 appearances over seven seasons with New York.

Because the White Sox had among the top 10 initial picks in next year's amateur draft, they will lose a second-round selection for signing Robertson rather than their first-round choice, which is eighth overall.

Since the Yankees tendered Robertson a qualifying offer, they will receive an extra pick between the first and second rounds as compensation.