Former New York Yankees reliever David Robertson has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball, as reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. With his retirement, there are now no active MLB players who have won a World Series as members of the Yankees.
Robertson, who is 40 years old, hails from Birmingham, Alabama, and was drafted by the Yankees in the 17th round of the 2006 MLB Draft. He made his professional debut in 2008 and quickly established himself as a reliable option in the bullpen. During his first seven seasons with the Yankees (2008-2014), he played a pivotal role in their 2009 World Series championship, contributing significantly to the team’s strong relief corps.
Following his time with the Yankees, Robertson had stints with several teams, including the Chicago White Sox (2015-2017) where he earned an All-Star selection in 2016. He made a brief return to New York before moving on to the Philadelphia Phillies (in 2019 and again in 2022), the Tampa Bay Rays (2021), the Chicago Cubs (2022), the New York Mets and Miami Marlins (both in 2023), and the Texas Rangers (2024). In 2025, he rejoined the Phillies midseason, appearing in 20 games as a reliever.
On the field, Robertson made 881 appearances, predominantly in relief, and achieved a 68-46 record along with a 2.93 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, and 1,176 strikeouts over 894 1/3 innings. He recorded 179 saves, highlighting his effectiveness in high-pressure situations throughout the 2010s and early 2020s. In his final season, 2025, he went 2-0 with a 4.08 ERA, 22 strikeouts, and two saves in 17 2/3 innings with Philadelphia.
In addition to his club achievements, Robertson also represented the United States internationally, contributing to a World Baseball Classic gold medal and an Olympic silver. Known for his signature cutter and consistency, he leaves behind a legacy as one of the most dependable relievers of his era.
Robertson’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Yankees, but the memorable moments and contributions he made during his time will continue to resonate within the franchise’s storied history. His journey serves as an inspiration to emerging players, showcasing the importance of hard work and perseverance.