According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Robertson (elbow) became a free agent when the Phillies declined his club option on Friday. Instead of paying the veteran $12 million for his services next season, the Phillies will give him a $2 million buyout to clear his contract. The move leaves Philadelphia with less than $10 million in savings. Robertson had two solid seasons with the Phillies after they acquired him from the Blue Jays in 2016. In 2017, he went 10-3 with a 3.12 ERA over 131 innings pitched. This past year, he continued to be one of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball with Toronto before being traded to Philly in August. Robertson finished the 2018 campaign with 32 saves in 36 opportunities and a 3.38 ERA. He's only 31 years old so there is still plenty of time left for him to have an excellent career. The Phillies decided not to pick up their option because they want to give their other young pitchers a chance to compete for the fifth starter spot this spring. From 2013-2016, Robertson made at least 30 starts every year except 2014 when he missed most of the season due to shoulder surgery. The Phillies believe that someone else besides Jake Arrieta, Hector Neris, Jeremy Hellickson, or Vince Velasquez will be able to take advantage of the opportunity this offseason.