David Robertson, who waited until the middle of last season for a team to sign him, agreed to a short-term deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. That ended up being the last year Robertson would pitch in the big leagues after he announced his retirement from baseball on social media posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram on Friday.
Robertson pitched 17 seasons in MLB. Among his top career moments were playing for Team USA, helping the club win the World Baseball Classic in 2017, and being part of the silver medal team in the Summer Olympic Games in 2021.
“To all the incredible organizations, teammates, coaches, staff members, and fans who have been part of my baseball journey,” Robertson began his message. “I've decided it's time for me to hang up my spikes and retire from the game I've loved for as long as I can remember. Baseball has given me more than I ever dreamed possible over the last 19 seasons.”
— David Robertson (@DRob30) January 30, 2026
David Robertson spent three seasons with the Phillies in his lengthy career
The Birmingham, Alabama, native, played for the New York 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 (2024) during his MLB career.
David Robertson has announced his retirement after 17 seasons, one All-Star selection, and a 2009 #WorldSeries championship with the @Yankees.
— MLB (@MLB) January 30, 2026
Robertson pitched in the Postseason in 10 of his 17 seasons. pic.twitter.com/cdc4BDXbDh
Robertson made the All-Star Game in 2011 with the Yankees, in which he compiled a 4-0 record, with a career-best 1.08 ERA, and 100 strikeouts in 70 contests. He earned Cy Young Award and MVP votes during this season as well.
The right-hander made the postseason in 10 of his 17 seasons, playing in two World Series, one with the Yankees in 2009 and with the Phillies in 2022. He won a championship with New York in '09. For his career, the 17-year veteran totaled a record of 68-46, a 2.93 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 1176 strikeouts, 365 walks, and 179 saves in 239 opportunities.
Joe Girardi, Robertson's manager during the majority of his time pitching with the Yankees, spoke about the veteran pitcher following the news of his retirement , per MLB.com's Sweeny Murti.
"Even in all the years he set up for [Mariano Rivera], David was a closer in the moment that you needed him,” Girardi said, Murti. “There was no moment that was ever too big for him. I always had the utmost confidence in him.
Robertson is also known for his charitable contributions. Following destructive tornadoes that struck his hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 2011, he and his wife, Erin, started High Socks for Hope, the David and Erin Robertson Foundation.
Executive Director of High Socks for Hope, Judy Holland, commented on Robertson's charitable generosity.
"I just don’t think David gets the credit he deserves for all the things he does," Holland said, per Murti. "His heart is huge. He jumped straight in and has never given up on it."
Robertson had a lengthy MLB career and played for both franchises in two of the greatest sports cities in New York and Chicago. He also had a rare three stints with one club, the Phillies. The right-hander accomplished a lot during his time as a pitcher.
“Saying goodbye isn't easy,” Robertson said at the end of his farewell message. “But I do so with deep gratitude for every opportunity, challenge, and memory. I'll forever be thankful for the game and for everyone who made this journey extraordinary.”