Longtime Mariners Third Baseman Kyle Seager Announces Retirement

Longtime Seattle Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager announced via his wife’s Twitter account his retirement from Major League Baseball.

“Today I’m announcing my retirement from Major League Baseball. Thank you to all of my family, friends and fans for following me throughout my career. It’s been a wonderful ride but I am unbelievably excited for the next chapter of my life.”

The 34-year-old was set to become a free agent this offseason after 11 years in Seattle.

A third-round pick out of UNC-Chapel Hill in 2009, Seager made his MLB debut with the Mariners in 2011. Over the ensuing years, he batted .251/.321/.442 (112 OPS+) with 1,395 hits; 242 home runs; and a 36.9 WAR. Seager won a Gold Glove in 2014 and made his only All-Star appearance that same year.

Knowing it could be his last at-bat in an M’s uniform, the fans gave Seager a standing ovation in Seattle during his final game in October:

Why he is retiring is anyone’s guess. Seager’s coming off a 2021 season in which he hit a career-best 35 home runs.

Kyle’s younger brother, Corey Seager, was also a free agent this winter, though he signed a 10-year, $325 million deal with the Texas Rangers prior to the owner-imposed lockout.