Making it to the MLB is every baseball players dream. When a player finally makes it to the league it’s the highest level they can reach in their playing career.
Eventually though, the top players who have had the luxury of having long careers can sometimes hang on too long. Which older players on the back end of their career should retire? Who should keep playing? Let’s find out:
RETIRE – Miguel Cabrera, DH, Detroit Tigers
At this point in his career, Miguel Cabrera is just adding on to his All-Time statistics. At 40 years old, it’s time for him to hang up the cleats after 20 seasons in the MLB.
An All-Time great by any account, he’s a 12 time All Star and 2 time AL MVP and has a career batting average of .307. Cabrera has already announced that he plans to retire after the 2023 season, and I think that’s the right move.
STAY – Justin Verlander, Pitcher, Houston Astros
He may be 40 years old, but Verlander can still play. After being traded from the Mets to the Astros, Verlander rejoins the team he left just 1 season ago and immediately jumped back into the starting role.
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One of the most decorated pitchers in MLB history, I see no reason for him to walk away from the game anytime soon. He could be a vital piece to a potential Astros championship repeat. Don’t count them out.
RETIRE – Joey Votto, 1B, Cincinatti Reds
Joey Votto is a Reds legend, nobody can deny that.
But in 2023, Votto should consider hanging up the cleats. Batting an abysmal .219 and coming off a severe shoulder Injury last season while being 39 years old sounds like a recipe for riding off into the sunset.
It makes it tough though, because the Reds are currently in the mix for a wild card spot and I’m sure that Votto would love to end his career making the playoffs. That is, if he actually decides to call it quits.
STAY – Rich Hill, LHP, Pittsburgh Pirates
He is currently the oldest player in the MLB, I know. He is 43 and has a pretty mediocre ERA at 5.09, but I think he still has one more season left in the tank. It’s puzzling why he signed with Pittsburgh in the offseason, he needs to go to a contender and try to ring chase before ending his playing career.
RETIRE – Stephen Strasburg, RHP, Washington Nationals
An unfortunate reality in sports is that injuries can strike at any moment and derail a player’s career, and that’s exactly what has happened with Strasburg.
There was a report that surfaced in June that stated that Strasburg has “severe nerve damage” and that there are “doubts he will ever pitch again”.
The 3 time All-Star can play the waiting game and hope that he can recover, but It unfortunately doesn’t look promising.
STAY – Charlie Morton, RHP, Atlanta Braves
A 3.86 ERA at 39 years old is impressive, and Morton continues to pitch well despite his age.
Thankfully for Morton, he doesn’t have to be a star to be successful since the Braves also have excellent pitchers in Max Fried and Spencer Strider.
I’m sure it also helps that the Braves are 31 games over .500 and currently sit 1st in the NL East. Might as well try for another ring.
RETIRE – Mark Melancon, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Melancon has a few things working against him when it comes to still playing professional baseball. He is 38 years old and injured, he also hasn’t played a game in almost 3 months. Even when he did play, he wasn’t very good. He posted a 3-10 record with a 4.66 ERA and a poor WHIP at 1.5.
There is a world where he comes back and plays decent ball, but at almost age 40 I would think that retirement has to be crossing his mind
STAY – Carlos Santana, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers
Slamtana is absolutely on the tail end of his career, but that doesn’t mean teams don’t want him still.
Santana was traded from the Pirates to the Brewers to start at 1B and he has played well considering his age and circumstances. He is batting .227 and has 56 RBI’s.
The Brewers are currently 1st in the NL Central and although Santana isn’t a star like he used to be, there is no denying that he is contributing well to a contending team.
RETIRE – Nelson Cruz, DH, Free Agent
Nelson Cruz was released by the San Diego Padres after failing to find a trade partner for the 43 year old Designated Hitter. He had a lengthy run as one of the best hitters in the entire MLB, but those days are now most likely behind him.
He has had an excellent career by any players standards, and now is the perfect time for him to call it quits.
Unfortunately, he may not be able to go out on his own terms, though.
STAY – Michael Brantley, DH, Houston Astros
I believe that 5x All-Star and 2022 World Series Champion still has something left in the tank. Batting this season at .288, he has dealt with injuries and has been in and out of the Houston Astros lineup.
But when healthy, he’s a big boost to a team looking to repeat as champions. No need to retire when you’re on a contending team and still being a productive ball player.
