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By Jon Paul Hoornstra
Contributing Sports Writer
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David Robertson, who spent 17 years in Major League Baseball as a relief pitcher and won a World Series championship in his second season with the New York Yankees, announced his retirement from baseball on Friday.
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“To all the incredible organizations, teammates, coaches, staff members, and fans who have been part of my baseball journey, I've decided it's time for me to hang up my spikes and retire from the game l've loved for as long as I can remember," Robertson wrote in a post to his Instagram account.
"Baseball has given me more than I ever dreamed possible over the last 19 seasons. From winning a World Series, to pitching in an All-Star game, to representing the United States and bringing home a World Baseball Classic Gold and an Olympic silver. I've had the privilege of playing alongside amazing teammates, learning from outstanding coaches, and being welcomed into organizations that felt like family."
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Robertson pitched 20 games for the Philadelphia Phillies last season, going 2-0 with a 4.08 ERA.
Overall, Robertson went 68-46 with a 2.93 ERA and 179 saves for the Yankees (2008-14, 2017-18), Chicago White Sox (2015-17), Phillies (2019, 2022, 2025), Tampa Bay Rays (2021), Chicago Cubs (2022), New York Mets (2023), Miami Marlins (2023) and Texas Rangers (2023).
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A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Robertson was originally taken in the 17th round of the 2006 draft out of college. He debuted two years later and quickly established himself as a reliable set-up man to future Hall of Fame closer Mariano Rivera.
In 2011, Robertson went 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA in 70 appearances, making his only All-Star team and collecting downballot Cy Young Award and MVP votes — both rarities for a middle reliever.
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In 2014 Robertson inherited the closer's role and recorded 39 saves for the Yankees. He reprised the role with the White Sox from 2015-17.
For the most part, Robertson thrived as a middle reliever. His 881 appearances were second-most among active pitchers at the end of the 2025 season.
More to come on this story from Newsweek Sports.
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