Making it into the Major Leagues is no small feat to begin with, but to have true staying power is an even more daunting proposition.
Even then, once a player has made a name for themselves, either Father Time or the Baseball Gods always seem to be lurking, ready to snatch their career right out of their hands. What makes matters worse is that there is usually a lag between when the fans recognize a player is done—and when the player themselves or their team’s front office see the truth.
Let’s check out 8 big names from MLB whose time, for one reason or another, has come.
Miguel Cabrera
21 years is a long time to do anything, let alone compete professionally at the highest level, but that’s exactly what Miggy has done. Nowadays, the man once known for being one of the best hitters in baseball looks every bit like a 39-year-old.
Noah Syndergaard
When the man formerly known as Thor was coming up with the New York Mets back in 2015, he was easily one of the most exciting pitchers in baseball. Between his massive frame, the long blonde hair, and his electric stuff, he captured the attention of fans across baseball.
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Unfortunately, he started to develop some arm issues that ultimately resulted in him getting Tommy John surgery that cost him the entirety of the 2020 season. Syndergaard eventually returned to action, but Thor never did. Now he’s out in LA pitching to a 7+ ERA and a shell of his former self.
Stephen Strasburg
After Strasburg led the Nationals to their rather shocking 2019 World Series championship, it looked like he was poised to really cement himself as one of the best pitchers in the game. It seems, however, that epic run he went on was more of a last gasp. The right-hander has made just eight starts since—and after being shut down for the remainder of the 2023 season, it looks like it might be curtains.
Adam Wainwright
It hasn’t been pretty for the 18-year vet in 2023, as Adam Wainwright has pitched to far and away the highest ERA of his career thus far.
On the bright side, he is now just a couple of wins away from reaching 200, a milestone many have speculated inspired his decision to return to the Cardinals this year, instead of retiring alongside his long-time catcher, Yadier Molina. Perhaps once he eclipses it, he too will recognize it is time to hang ‘em up.
Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander’s performance in 2022, when he pitched to a 1.75 ERA and 18 wins, taking home the Cy Young award as a 39-year-old was stunning. No doubt about it. But this season with the Mets has been a different story.
The numbers aren’t that bad across the board, but the team’s been bad and he really just hasn’t looked the same. It very well may be time to put a wrap on this Hall of Fame career.
Zack Greinke
You have to respect Zack Greinke looking to end his career where it all began, in Kansas City, but man, has it been a painful finale. The 2023 Royals are one of the worst teams we’ve seen in recent memory—and Zack’s ERA has ballooned up above 5 for the first time since 2005 when he went five and 17.
Considering Greinke has just one win to date, it is hard to imagine the veteran pitcher is having much fun this year.
Evan Longoria
Seeing Evan Longoria in an Arizona Diamondback uniform is strange. Tack on the .236 average and the his rapidly deteriorating defensive abilities and it is obvious that age is catching up with the former All-Star. Never mind the fact that he hasn’t been named to the Mid-Summer Classic since 2010!
Longoria is past his prime and if there are any diehard supporters of his out there that haven’t—I’m sorry, but it is time to give up on the aging third baseman.
Carlos Correa
Much has been made about the crop of four big-named shortstops, who signed for a cumulative $1B ahead of the 2022 season and haven’t come close to delivering a legitimate return on investment.
Correa, to his credit, had an okay season last year, but 2023 has been ugly for him in Minnesota—and that oft-ailing ankle doesn’t seem to be getting any better with age, meaning the smart money says it is time to give up on Correa.
