MLB Players retiring post season 2023 are Miguel Cabrera, Adam Wainwright, and Zack Greinke. In fact, over 10 players might decide to hang up their gloves after this year.
Baseball players choose to leave the game for various reasons such as injuries, age, personal choices, and contract situations. When they stop playing, it’s called retirement. Many players then move on to different roles, either in sports or in other fields.
In September, fans and experts closely watch the baseball playoffs. Some seasoned players decided to be retiring once the regular season finishes, often because of age or injuries. For example, Mark Melancon, who is 38 years old, might stop playing after this season.
Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina announced their retirement in 2022. It’s a cycle: older players retire, and young talents step in to fill their shoes.
MLB Players Retiring This Year 2023
In 2023, several MLB players are hanging up their gloves. Among those calling it quits are Joey Votto, Rich Hill, and Evan Longoria. There’s also buzz about Clayton Kershaw considering retirement.
Here’s a rundown of MLB players who might be retiring this year:
- Miguel Cabrera
- Adam Wainwright
- Zack Greinke
- Joey Votto
- Brandon Crawford
- Clayton Kershaw
- Andrew McCutchen
- Evan Longoria
- Rich Hill
- Michael Brantley
- Johnny Cueto
This year, Andrew McCutchen, Stephen Strasburg, and Corey Kluber have announced that they will be retiring from baseball.
Mark Melancon, Kyle Gibson, Josh Donaldson, Charlie Blackmon, Kirby Yates, and Carlos Santana are also retiring this season.
Brandon Crawford
Brandon Crawford might retire this season. He’s 36 and has been playing as the San Francisco Giants’ shortstop. This year might be the end of his time in Major League Baseball.
During a game against the Dodgers on October 1, 2023, the Giants let Brandon Crawford step out. It was a way to let San Francisco fans show their appreciation.
While Crawford hasn’t said he’s retiring yet, his current contract has ended. This means he might choose to retire or perhaps move from the Giants.
Growing up, Crawford was always a fan of the Giants. Playing for them was a big dream that came true for him. He played a big part in the team winning the World Series in 2012 and 2014.
Crawford has been a top player, winning several awards during his career. This includes being an All-Star three times, getting four Gold Gloves, one Silver Slugger award, and even getting votes for the Most Valuable Player, where he was fourth in 2021.
Miguel Cabrera
Miguel Cabrera is a talented right-handed batter for the Detroit Tigers. 2023 marks his 21st season with them and likely his last. He has collected over 3,000 hits, hit 500 home runs, and made 600 doubles.
As he’s nearing 40 years old, it’s uncertain if he’ll achieve 2,000 RBIs. After this year, he shared that he plans to retire but will continue with the Tigers in another position.
He has received two MVP awards, earned seven Silver Sluggers, and secured four batting titles. Even when he was just 20, he played a role in the Miami Marlins’ World Series win.
In 2012, he achieved the Triple Crown. Cabrera has been chosen for the All-Star team 12 times, and it’s clear he’ll be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Adam Wainwright
Many thought Adam Wainwright, alongside his experienced teammate Yadier Molina, would retire after the recent season.
But after a disappointing 2022, he decided to play another year. Adam has been with the St. Louis Cardinals for all his 17-year career.
It’s likely they’ll honor him by retiring his number. He’s close to 200 career wins, which might be a reason he’s playing on.
The Cardinals are happy he’s back for his 19th season. He does more than just play; he helps guide the younger pitchers. For now, he’s put retirement on hold, hoping to end his career on a high note.
Zack Greinke
Zack Greinke might consider retirement after this season, though he hasn’t confirmed it yet. Due to recent injuries and issues, people are speculating about his decision.
Greinke had a remarkable career, especially during his time with the Dodgers. There, he achieved a record of 19 wins and 3 losses in one season, with an ERA of 1.66. He even won the Cy Young award in 2009.
Even without striking out many batters, Greinke maintained good health. He began 540 games from 2004 onward, the highest number for any pitcher.
He participated in the postseason with four teams but didn’t win the World Series. Throughout his career, Greinke’s unique approach set him apart from others.
Joey Votto
Joey Votto might retire this season, similar to Greinke, but he hasn’t set a retirement date yet.
During the 2023 season, Joey Votto will turn 40. He has been an important player for the Cincinnati Reds for years. But in 2022, after having shoulder surgery, he didn’t play as well as usual.
For 2024, the Reds have an option to keep him for $20 million or pay a $7 million buyout. If Joey doesn’t play well in 2023 or gets injured, the Reds might not keep him.
People in baseball respect Joey Votto for his excellent skills and powerful hitting. His career numbers, like a 145 wRC+, show he’s one of the best players ever.
He has said that if he doesn’t play well on offense, he might retire. Right now, he has some pain in the same shoulder he had surgery on last year. This makes people worried about his future.
Clayton Kershaw
At 35 years old, Clayton Kershaw is considering stepping away from baseball. After signing a one-year deal with the Dodgers for 2023, he’s set to be a free agent after this season.
Among pitchers who’ve thrown more than 2,500 innings, Kershaw stands out with the top ERA+ of 157.
He had an impressive run from 2011 to 2017, winning three Cy Young Awards, leading in ERA five times, and even securing an MVP title.
During that period, he recorded ERA and FIP stats of 2.10 and 2.36 respectively. His potential retirement might mark a significant moment in baseball history.
Andrew McCutchen
The Pittsburgh Pirates have warmly brought back Andrew McCutchen for the 2023 season after he had been away for nine years.
During his earlier days with the Pirates, McCutchen was known for his exciting performances. Throughout his previous stint in Pittsburgh, McCutchen was chosen for five All-Star events, secured four Silver Slugger honors, and clinched the National League MVP title in 2013.
After leaving in 2018, he played with different teams but wasn’t their leading player. At 36, he returned to the Pirates with a one-year deal, hinting that he might be looking to finish his career where it began.
Many feel it’s fitting for McCutchen to wrap up his career with the Pirates in 2023. He had a standout period with them from 2009 to 2017, being one of the top players in the league.
During those years, only seven players had a higher WAR than his 45.9. By 36, his career stats include a 51.8 WAR, a 128 wRC+, 299 homers, and 215 steals.
Evan Longoria
In the early stages of his career, Evan Longoria was a prominent figure for the Tampa Bay Rays.
During his time there, he won the AL Rookie of the Year award and was chosen for the All-Star team for three consecutive years.
He set several batting records for the Rays. But after moving to San Francisco in 2018, he faced several injuries which affected his gameplay.
Recently, at 37 years old, he agreed to a one-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, if his health issues continue, he might consider ending his career.
Michael Brantley
Michael Brantley is known for his powerful left-handed batting in baseball, especially when he’s in good shape.
Lately, he’s had some health issues. A shoulder problem last year meant he only played in 64 matches.
While it’s not certain if this injury affected his batting strength, he remains an impressive hitter. If he struggles with injuries or doesn’t show his usual hitting power in 2023, it might influence his position as the Astros’ left fielder.
Brantley’s contract ends after this year, and he’s approaching 36 years old. This could lead him to think about retirement instead of playing the following season.
Johnny Cueto
Johnny Cueto is a right-hand pitcher. A few years ago, he had a tough time because of injuries, especially in 2018 and 2019.
Even with these setbacks, he’s been a regular starter for teams like the Chicago White Sox and the San Francisco Giants. Last year, he did great with a 3.35 ERA, and that performance got him a one-year contract with the Miami Marlins.
Now 37, Cueto has a World Series win under his belt. If he stays fit and continues to play well in 2023, he might keep going. However, if health issues come up again, he might think about retiring this year.