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.