Mets’ Michael Cuddyer Retires From MLB

Michael Cuddyer is retiring after 15 years in the MLB.

The 36 year old hit .259 with 10 home runs and 41 RBIS at 379 at-bats for the New York Mets last year.

“I’ve made the difficult decision to retire. With one year left on my contract, it is especially difficult to imagine not suiting up in a Mets uniform for one more year,” Cuddyer said in a piece posted to The Player’s Tribune on Saturday. “”As an athlete, retiring is the toughest decision you have to make and I don’t take it lightly. I’ve always run out every hit like it was my last. As an untested high school kid drafted with a dream, I’ve never taken a single moment in the Majors for granted. It goes against every grain in my body to consider a future without the game. But after 15 years, the toll on my body has finally caught up to me.”

Cuddyer was a two-time All Star in his 15 year career. He was drafted in the 1997 amateur draft by the Minnesota Twins, and played there from 2001-2011, going to the All-Star game in 2011. After two years with the Colorado Rockies, going to the All-Star game in 2013, he signed with the Mets in Nov. 2014 and appeared in his first World Series. The Mets lost that series 4-2.

The Mets’ manager, Sandy Alderson, had high praise for Cuddyer. “While battling injuries last season, he was one of our team’s true leaders in the clubhouse, playing a significant role in our National League Championship. He leaves a indelible, positive impact on our clubhouse. We salute Michael on his career and thank him for his contributions to our success in 2015. We wish him, Claudia, and their kids all the health and happiness.”

PHOTO: LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 09: Michael Cuddyer #23 of the New York Mets reacts after striking out in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game one of the National League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 9, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)