David Robertson (30) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game one of the NLDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Citizens Bank Park. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Former All-Star reliever David Robertson retires after 17 seasons

By Zachary Cariola | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 5:25 PM ET

Reliever David Robertson has been one of the game's best relievers for 17 seasons and has now decided to call it a career.

Announcing the news on Friday, Robertson thanked all the organizations he played for: the New York Yankees, the Philadelphia Phillies, both the Chicago Cubs and White Sox, the Texas Rangers, the New York Mets, the Miami Marlins, and the Tampa Bay Rays, but above all, his family.

Robertson was originally drafted by the Yankees in the 17th round of the 2006 MLB Draft and made his major league debut two years later in 2008 at 23. Robertson’s best season came in 2011 when he made his only All-Star team and finished 11th in the Cy Young voting, going 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA in 70 games (66.2 innings).

Robertson was lucky enough to win the World Series with the Yankees in 2009 and made just one more with the Phillies in 2022.

pic.twitter.com/YuiIgvgO2H
— David Robertson (@DRob30) January 30, 2026

David Robertson can look to next chapter after announcing retirement

Robertson can leave behind an illustrious career knowing he left it all on the field and focus on his farm and his family, but also potentially focus on becoming a full-time agent to support some of his peers, as he was his own agent.

Known more as a setup man and now a closer despite having 179 career saves, Robertson made his living as a middle and late-inning reliever, which parlayed into him earning $101,400,831 over the course of his career, according to Spotrac.

Robertson's earnings as a middle reliever showed how well he’s able to negotiate with front offices. His negotiating skills were on display when he didn’t sign with a team until the second half of the season, signing a deal (prorated) with the Phillies for one year, $15.94 million. These negotiating skills and the ability to maximize his full earnings could help make him an effective agent.

Zachary Cariola

My name is Zachary Cariola and I have been a sports fan for as long as I can remember. My areas of expertise are MLB, NBA, and NFL. When I’m not writing, I love spending time with my family and learning history.

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