Texas Rangers Expect Veteran Reliever David Robertson To Play Prominent Bullpen Role

The 15-year bullpen veteran David Robertson had Tommy John surgery in August 2019 and turns 39 in April.

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers added veteran reliever David Robertson to their bullpen on Friday.

The deal is for $10 million in 2024, with a $7 million mutual option in 2025 with a $1.5 buyout.

The right-hander, who turns 39 in April, was 6-6 with 18 saves, a 3.03 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 65 1/3 innings in 2023 between time with the New York Mets and Miami Marlins. He was traded from New York to Miami on July 28.

"Last year, he was phenomenal," Rangers general manager Chris Young said. "He’s got elite makeup and a competitive spirit. He wants the ball in big moments. We certainly think he can make our bullpen better."

Young said the club tried to acquire Robertson at the trade deadline a year ago. He expects him to play a prominent role in the Rangers' bullpen along with Jose Leclerc, Josh Sborz and Kirby Yates.

"We’re excited about where those guys are," Young said.

Robertson spent nine of his 15 big league seasons with the New York Yankees, including a 2011 All-Star season in which he had a 1.08 ERA in 66 2/3 innings.

His 1,054 career relief strikeouts are the 14th-most in MLB history and rank fourth among active pitchers behind Craig Kimbrel (1192), Kenley Jansen (1159) and Aroldis Chapman (1148). He has a league-high 63 relief wins among active relievers.

His career 11.80 strikeouts per nine innings is the third-highest ever among pitchers with at least 800 innings. 

Since returning from Tommy John surgery in August 2019, Robertson is 10-9 with 38 saves, 175 strikeouts, and a 2.87 ERA in 141 innings. His 11 seasons with at least 60 relief innings are the second-most since 1995, behind only Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera.

To make room on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Daniel Duarte, 27, was designated for assignment. The Rangers have seven days to release or outright Duarte to the minor leagues.

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