David Robertson Retires After 17 Seasons, Closing the Door on Potential Rangers Reunion
David Robertson is officially calling it a career.
The veteran reliever announced his retirement on Friday, ending a 17-year run that spanned nearly two decades, nine teams, and countless high-leverage moments. For the Texas Rangers, who are still sorting out their bullpen picture heading into the 2026 season, Robertson’s decision takes one intriguing midseason option off the table.
The 40-year-old right-hander had been a reliable late-inning arm for much of his career, known for his sharp cutter, fearless mound presence, and ability to miss bats in pressure situations. He most recently pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2025, signing a prorated $16 million deal in late July to join a team with legitimate World Series aspirations. That move allowed Robertson to bypass the offseason grind and align himself with a contender - a savvy veteran decision that fit the arc of his career.
But while the Phillies were chasing October glory, Robertson’s performance showed signs of wear. In 20 appearances, he posted a 4.08 ERA (with a 4.95 FIP), striking out 22 and walking eight over 17 2/3 innings.
He also notched two saves, but the command wasn’t as crisp, and the swing-and-miss stuff didn’t quite have the same bite. His lone postseason outing - a rough 1/3 of an inning in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Dodgers - saw him give up two earned runs on a hit and a hit batsman.
The Phillies lost that game 5-3 and eventually the series.
Still, for a Rangers club that’s been navigating bullpen uncertainty, the idea of a Robertson reunion - especially after what he gave them in 2024 - had some appeal. That season, he was a steadying force in Texas’ relief corps, putting up a 3.00 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 72 innings and contributing 1.7 bWAR. He wasn’t just a veteran presence; he was a productive one.
Now, that door is closed.
Robertson’s career began back in 2008 with the New York Yankees, where he quickly carved out a role as one of the more dependable setup men in the league. He was a key piece of the Yankees’ 2009 World Series title run, tossing 5 1/3 scoreless innings that October. That postseason poise would become a hallmark of his game.
After his initial run in New York, Robertson signed with the Chicago White Sox in the 2014-15 offseason, serving as their closer before being traded back to the Yankees in July 2017 as part of a multi-player deal. His second stint in the Bronx lasted through 2018, and from there, he became one of the most well-traveled - and well-respected - relievers in the game.
Over 17 seasons, Robertson suited up for the Yankees, White Sox, Rangers, Phillies, Rays, Cubs, Mets, and Marlins. He racked up 894 1/3 innings, 1,176 strikeouts, and a career 2.93 ERA - numbers that speak to both his durability and his dominance. His career bWAR of 21.9 underscores just how valuable he was, year in and year out.
While his retirement may not come as a shock given his age and recent performance, it does mark the end of an era. Robertson was part of a generation of relievers who bridged the gap between traditional closers and the modern bullpen weapon - a guy who could pitch the seventh, eighth, or ninth, depending on what the moment called for.
For Texas, it means looking elsewhere if bullpen help is needed later this summer. For Robertson, it’s the conclusion of a remarkable run - one that saw him pitch on baseball’s biggest stages, wear the uniforms of nearly a third of the league, and leave behind a legacy built on consistency, competitiveness, and quiet excellence.