Robertson declined his $7 million mutual option for 2025 on Saturday, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.
With a 3.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 72 innings, Robertson was one of the Rangers' most reliable high-leverage bullpen arms in 2024. He will turn 40 years old in April, so a multi-year deal likely isn't in the cards for him in free agency, but his consistency and experience make him an attractive target for teams looking to contend for a World Series title in 2025.
Robertson picked up the save Thursday against the White Sox, striking out two batters over two perfect innings.
With Kirby Yates having pitched in three straight games, Robertson stayed on the mound for the ninth inning Thursday to land his second save of the campaign. Robertson has been a solid setup man for the Rangers this season, logging 21 holds in 44.2 innings with a 3.02 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP and a 66:13 K:BB.
Robertson allowed one hit, hit a batter and struck out three over a scoreless eighth inning Thursday, earning a hold in a 3-1 win over the Dodgers.
Robertson put the first two batters he faced aboard, setting up a rematch with the top of the Dodgers' lineup after he had struck out Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman on Wednesday to preserve a Texas lead. Robertson proceeded to do the same exact thing Thursday. The veteran reliever has 14 holds this season to go with a 3.19 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 36.2 percent strikeout rate, his highest mark since 2017.
... See More... See Less
Rangers' David Robertson: Impressively strikes out side
Rotowire
Robertson earned his 13th hold in Wednesday's 3-2 win over the Dodgers. He struck out all three batters faced in the eighth inning.
The Rangers were nursing a 3-1 lead when Robertson entered to start the eighth, and the right-hander was impressive, striking out Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman (all swinging). The 39-year-old Robertson has a 3.30 ERA and 1.03 WHIP with 43 strikeouts over 30 innings as he continues to operate as the setup man to closer Kirby Yates.
... See More... See Less
Rangers' David Robertson: Charged with blown save, loss
Rotowire
Robertson (2-1) had a blown save and was the losing pitcher in Saturday's 8-3 loss to the Rockies. The reliever failed to record an out and was charged with four runs on two hits, a walk and a hit batter.
The usually reliable Robertson entered with the Rangers holding a 3-2 lead, a runner on second base and two outs. As rain began to fall, he yielded a run-scoring single to the first batter he faced. After a wild pitch, another RBI single, a hit batsman and a walk, Robertson was removed with the bases loaded. The right-hander, who entered the game with a 0.87 ERA, threw just 11 strikes among 22 pitches.
Robertson gave up a run on two hits and a walk over 1.1 innings Wednesday, getting charged with his second blown save of the season in a 5-4 win over the Tigers. He struck out one.
The veteran right-hander entered the game with one on and one out in the seventh inning to protect a 4-3 lead, and while he escaped that small jam, Robertson couldn't stop Detroit from tying things up in the bottom of the eighth. It's only the second run he's allowed this season, and the 39-year-old has been busy to begin the year, posting a 1.69 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 10:4 K:BB through 10.2 innings. Despite those strong ratios, he's 0-for-2 in converting save chances while adding a win and six holds in his 10 appearances, while Kirby Yates seems to be strengthening his grip on the closer role for Texas.
Rangers' David Robertson: Throws scoreless late-game inning
Rotowire
Robertson worked a 1-2-3 eighth inning in Friday's 12-8 win over the Astros.
Texas was rolling before Houston's five-run seventh inning forced manager Bruce Bochy to use a couple of his trusted arms, including Robertson and Kirby Yates. Both relievers figure to be in the mix for saves following Bochy's decision to move Jose Leclerc to low-leverage situations, as reported by Jeff Wilson of RangersToday.com. Wilson described to move as temporary, but there could be permanence if Robertson or Yates seize the opportunity. Robertson has allowed one run on four hits and three walks while striking out eight over 8.1 innings. Yates has not allowed a run in five outings (five innings).
... See More... See Less
Rangers' David Robertson: Strong start to season
Rotowire
Robertson worked around two hits while striking out one over a scoreless inning in Wednesday's 4-1 win over the Rays.
Robertson found himself with runners on the corners and one out before coaxing a shallow flyout off the bat of Yandy Diaz and an Amed Rosario groundout to get out of the inning unscathed. Robertson has been sharp in a setup role to start the season, allowing just three hits and three walks over four scoreless appearances. Meanwhile, Jose Leclerc has struggled early, allowing at least one run in each of his three appearances, leaving an opening for Robertson to work his way into the ninth-inning picture.
Robertson (1-0) picked up the win Thursday, working around a pair of walks in a scoreless inning against the Cubs. He struck out one.
Robertson kept Chicago off the board in the top of the 10th inning, working out of a bases-loaded jam, before Jonah Heim ended the game with a walk-off single in the bottom half of the frame. Jose Leclerc, who allowed a run in the ninth inning Thursday, is the presumed closer in Texas, though Robertson would be next in line and figures to see a fair amount of save chances this year. The 38-year-old right-hander tallied 18 saves across 65.1 innings between the Mets and Marlins last season, posting a 3.03 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 78:25 K:BB.
Robertson is poised to begin the season in a setup role after Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said Sunday there is a "strong possibility" Jose Leclerc will open as the closer, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.
Robertson was never likely to fully usurp Leclerc from the job during spring training, but there seemed to be a chance Bochy might utilize a committee approach. Robertson will instead begin the campaign in a setup role, which significantly dampens his fantasy outlook. The 38-year-old is still likely to be the next man up and should see occasional save chances even if Leclerc is pitching well.
