Every year, or at least every year since 2012, we’ve taken some time after the season was over to look at the past 162 games through the lens of the players that played them (and the management that was in charge of them). Last year, the Exit Interview series spent less time digging into splits and finding numerical oddities and more time reflecting on the player and their season. It was a style that seemed to work so we’re going to bring it back again this year. The legendary cardinalsgifs is back to bring us excellent series art, so it’s all downhill after you see that!
Player: Nick Robertson
Stats (w/Cards): 0-0, 8 G, 12.1 IP, 15 H, 3 HR, 2 BB, 14 K, 4.38 ERA, 4.55 FIP, 1.378 WHIP, 0.0 bWAR
Statcast (all): 10.3% barrel, 35.9% sweet spot, 110.0 max exit velocity, .343 wOBA, .337 xwOBA, 25.5 K%, 3.6 BB%
Grade: D
There was a lot of excitement when Robertson was acquired from the Red Sox in the Tyler O’Neill trade. While we all hoped that TON would bring back more than a couple of relievers, Robertson at least brought some intrigue. He hadn’t pitched much in the majors, but he was putting up about a 10 K/9 mark, bringing the strikeout ability the Cardinals so desperately needed. With the expectation that TON would bounce back and it was unlikely the Cardinals could win this trade, the only chance of making it presentable seemed to lie on Robertson’s arm.
Robertson didn’t overly impress in spring and started at Memphis but got a call up before the end of the first month. He got hurt before the end of the second one, however, and was sent back to Memphis when he healed. The results weren’t good–he gave up six runs in his first four games back in AAA–and they never really improved. The Cards cut him loose in early August and he migrated to the Angels, who also set him free. Toronto picked him up and wound up bringing him to the big leagues before the end of the season, letting him log another inning.
What’s in store for 2025: Robertson looks to still have an option year so he’ll likely stay with Toronto through the winter and have a chance to really tap into the promise that he seems to have. It wouldn’t be too surprising, though, if he has another migratory year and winds up on a few teams before it is all said and done.
