The Texas Rangers announced Friday that they have agreed to a one-year deal with veteran right-handed reliever David Robertson. The agreement includes a mutual option for 2025.
Texas also agreed to a one-year contract with outfielder Travis Jankowski and designated right-hander Daniel Duarte for assignment.
MLB.com reported Robertson is guaranteed to earn $11.5 million. He will earn $5 million in 2024 with a mutual option of $7 million for 2025 that contains a $1.5 million buyout. Also, Robertson will annually receive $1 million a year in deferred money from 2027-31.
Robertson, who turns 39 in April, has 175 career saves and a 2.90 ERA in 793 career appearances (one start) over 15 big league seasons. He has a 63-42 record and has struck out 1,055 batters in 804 2/3 innings.
Robertson went 6-6 with a 3.03 ERA and 18 saves in 2023 while splitting the season with the New York Mets and Miami Marlins.
The Rangers won the World Series last season despite a weak bullpen so Robertson could compete for the closer role. Texas ranked 24th in the majors in bullpen ERA (4.77) and converted just 30 of 63 save opportunities.
Robertson has also pitched for the New York Yankees (two stints), Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies (twice), Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago Cubs, Mets and Marlins during a big-league career that began in 2008 with the Yankees. He was an All-Star in 2011 for the Yankees.
Jankowski, 32, batted .263 with one homer and a career-high 30 RBIs in 107 games for the Rangers. He stole 19 bases and was caught stealing just once.
Jankowski has a .241 average and 91 career steals in 577 games over nine seasons with six clubs. He spent the first five seasons with the San Diego Padres.
Duarte, 27, went 3-0 with a .369 ERA in 31 appearances with the Cincinnati Reds last season. Texas acquired him from the Reds earlier this month for cash considerations.
–Field Level Media
