Generally speaking, every MLB offseason typically includes at least some notable player retirements. That’s the case this winter, as several high-profile names have decided to call it a career. Here’s a look at all the notable MLB player retirements after the 2023 season.
Notable Players Who Retired During 2023-24 MLB Offseason
Here’s a look at the notable names that have called it a career this winter and spring:
| Name | Position | MLB Team in 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Strasburg | SP | Nationals (DNP) |
| Josh Donaldson | 3B | Yankees/Brewers |
| Miguel Cabrera | DH/1B | Tigers |
| Mike Zunino | C | Guardians |
| Kole Calhoun | OF | Guardians |
| Corey Kluber | SP | Red Sox |
| Adam Wainwright | SP | Cardinals |
| Eric Hosmer | 1B | Cubs |
| Brandon Dixon | 1B/OF | Padres |
| Joe Smith | RP | None |
| Tony Wolters | C | None |
| Collin McHugh | RP | Braves |
| Andrelton Simmons | SS | None |
| Tommy Hunter | RP | Mets |
| Nelson Cruz | DH | Padres |
| Ian Kennedy | RP | Rangers |
| Zack Britton | RP | None |
| Trevor May | RP | Athletics |
| Steven Brault | SP/RP | None |
| Luis Avilan | RP | None |
| Michael Brantley | DH/OF | Astros |
The three most notable MLB player retirements after 2023 were of Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright and sluggers Miguel Cabrera and Nelson Cruz.
Wainwright’s final season in the Majors did not go well, as the 42-year-old went 5-11 with a 7.40 ERA and 83 earned runs over 101 innings. However, Wainwright did spin a gem in his final start — seven scoreless innings on September 18 against the Brewers — and earned his 200th career win.
Wainwright ended 2023 with the fifth-most wins among active pitchers.
Meanwhile, the two sluggers that ended 2023 with the most home runs among active hitters also called it a career. Miguel Cabrera capped off an incredible career in 2023, one that saw him win a World Series in his rookie campaign, hit 511 home runs, and record 3,174 career hits.
Nelson Cruz, who hit 464 career home runs, also retired. The 43-year-old is now part of the Dodgers organization as an adviser.
Other notable MLB player retirements in 2023 included four-time Gold Glove winner Andrelton Simmons, two-time All-Star Zack Britton, and Trevor May. May recorded a career-high 21 saves with the A’s in 2023.
On January 31, 2024, veteran reliever Joe Smith officially retired from baseball. Smith last pitched in 2022 as a member of the Twins.
On February 9, two-time AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber called it a career. Kluber owned a 7.04 ERA over 55 innings in his final season, which was spent with the Red Sox.
On February 21, former All-Star Eric Hosmer retired. Hosmer finished his career with four Gold Gloves, 198 home runs, and 1,753 hits.
On March 4, former AL MVP Josh Donaldson retired.
On April 6, it was revealed on the MLB transactions page that Nationals star Stephen Strasburg retired. Strasburg, who’s dealt with nerve damage, pitched his last MLB game in 2022.