Rangers lose possible midseason reunion option after bullpen stalwart’s retirement

In late July, the Philadelphia Phillies signed veteran righty reliever David Robertson to a prorated $16 million contract for the rest of the 2025 season. By waiting until midseason to sign with a team, Robertson found a World Series contender to play for, rather than having to sign with a less desirable organization in the offseason.

Texas Rangers lose possible midseason reunion option after righty reliever David Robertson's retirement

With the Rangers' bullpen still full of uncertainties, reuniting with Robertson, 40, in the middle of the 2026 season is a good idea for Texas if the Rangers are poised to make a playoff run and the righty is available. However, it appears Robertson won't be available, as he announced on Friday via social media that he is retiring after 17 big league seasons, making a reunion between the reliever and the Rangers impossible unless Robertson surprisingly changes his mind.

Robertson, who posted 1.7 bWAR and a 3.00 ERA with 99 strikeouts across 72 innings for Texas in 2024, was decent but not great for the Phillies last season. In 17 2/3 innings with Philadelphia during the 2025 campaign, Robertson had a 4.08 ERA (4.95 FIP) with 22 strikeouts, eight walks and two saves over 20 appearances. He made one postseason appearance for Philadelphia last year, allowing two earned runs on one hit and a hit-batter in 1/3 of an inning during NLDS Game 1 as the Phillies lost 5-3 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Robertson came up with the New York Yankees in 2008, pitching for the organization through 2014. He played a vital role in helping New York win its last World Series in 2009, hurling 5 1/3 scoreless innings during that postseason.

Robertson signed with the Chicago White Sox during the 2014-15 offseason. He pitched for Chicago until being traded to the Yankees along with righty Tommy Kahnle on July 19, 2017, for righty Tyler Clippard, lefty Ian Clarkin and center fielders Blake Rutherford and Toto Polo. Robertson's second tenure with the Yankees lasted through the 2018 season.

In addition to pitching for the Rangers, Yankees, White Sox and Phillies, Robertson has logged MLB innings for the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and Miami Marlins. In his 17 MLB seasons, Robertson posted 21.9 bWAR and a 2.93 ERA with 1,176 strikeouts over 894 1/3 innings.

Congrats on a great career, Robertson! Enjoy your retirement!