Retired MLB Players 2023 | Farewell Legends

Last Updated on October 16, 2023

The 2023 MLB season was an incredible one. We are eagerly waiting for the postseason matches. But do you know which players retired in the MLB 2023 season? 

The list is long and contains legends like Miguel Cabrera who will not be seen from the next season. Let’s find out which players we are going to miss from the next MLB season. 

Notable Players Who Retired in the MLB Season 2023

Player’s Name	Position	Teams Played For	All-Star Appearances	Notable Records
Miguel Cabrera	First Baseman	Marlins, Tigers	11 (2004-2007, 2010-2016)	Triple Crown (2012)
Stephen Strasburg	Pitcher	Nationals	3 (2012, 2016, 2017)	World Series champion and MVP (2019, Nationals)
Adam Jones	Center Fielder	Mariners, Orioles, Diamondbacks	5 (2009, 2012-2014, 2015)	4x Gold Glove Award winner
Lorenzo Cain	Center Fielder	Milwaukee Brewers, Kansas City Royals	1 (2018)	2014 ALCS MVP4
Sergio Romo	Pitcher	San Francisco Giants, Dodgers, Rays, Marlins, Twins, A’s	1 (2013)	3x World Series champion with Giants
Dexter Fowler	Right Fielder	Rockies, Astros, Cubs, Cardinals, Angels	1 (2016)	World Series champion (2016, Cubs)
Jake McGee	Pitcher	Rays, Rockies, Dodgers, Giants	1 (2014)	World Series champion (2020, Dodgers)
Sean Doolittle	Pitcher	A’s, Nationals, Reds	2 (2014, 2018)	World Series champion (2019, Nationals)
Daniel Murphy	Infielder	Mets, Nationals, Cubs, Rockies	3 (2014, 2016, 2017)	2015 NLCS MVP9
Adam Wainwright	Pitcher	Cardinals	4 (2010, 2013, 2014, 2020)	2x World Series champion (2006, 2011)
Jason Kipnis	Second Baseman	Indians, Cubs, Braves	2 (2013, 2015)	–
Tyler Clippard	Pitcher	Yankees, Nationals, A’s, Diamondbacks, White Sox, Astros, Blue Jays, Indians, Diamondbacks, Twins	2 (2011, 2014)	–

Miguel Cabrera

Miguel Cabrera, a titan in Major League Baseball. An extraordinary career filled with remarkable records and a commendable amount of achievements.

He’s known for his exceptional skill as a first baseman, third baseman, and left fielder. Cabrera has been playing for 21 seasons with the Detroit Tigers and Miami Marlins.

His career statistics are truly awe-inspiring.

A lifetime batting average of .307. A total of 3,154 hits and 510 home runs to amass. On top of that, he scored 1,546 runs with 1,871 RBIs. In 2012, Cabrera dominated the American League. He had a .330 batting average, 44 home runs, and 139 RBIs.

Throughout his career, he’s partaken in many significant moments.

In 2022, he etched his name into history as the third player to have a career batting average above .300 with 500 home runs and 3000 hits, joining the elite club of Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. 

The all-star team includes him 12 times, showcasing his consistency, excellence, and invaluable contributions to the game.

On October 23, 2023, Cabrera hung up his cleats. Leaving behind a legacy that cements his place among the legends of both MLB and Detroit Tigers. 

Stephen Strasburg

While pitching for the Washington Nationals, Strasburg has been a reliable presence for over a decade.

Strasburg has had respectable career numbers. He has a career record of 112-601 with a 3.21 Earned Run Average (ERA). 

He allowed only 642 walks throughout his career while striking out 1,697 batters. Strasburg topped the National League in wins with 18 and earned run average (ERA) with 3.32 in his greatest season in 2019.

Many pivotal moments have occurred over Strasburg’s career. 

Most notably, he led the Nationals to their first World Series championship in 2019 and was subsequently voted the series’ Most Valuable Player (MVP). 

His seven selections to the All-Star team speak to the reliability and significance of his athletic contributions.

One of the best pitchers in Washington Nationals history, Stephen Strasburg, has announced his retirement for the 2023 season. 

Adam Jones

Major League Baseball legend Adam Jones played for the Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles. His career stats show his skill and passion for the sport.

Jones was dynamic on the field. He played 1,944 games, mostly centerfield1,1. His 1,939 hits, 282 home runs, and 277 batting average were his hallmarks.

He stole 96 bases in his career. Jones ‘.988 defensive fielding percentage was remarkable.

Five-time All-Star and four-Gold Glove winner Jones established himself as a premier outfielder.

On September 15, 20232, Jones retired from baseball. He left many records and major contributions to his teams.

Lorenzo Lamar Cain

Born April 13, 1986, in Valdosta, GA, Lorenzo Lamar Cain. At 6-2 and 214lb, Cain was a formidable opponent.

In 2004, the Milwaukee Brewers drafted Cain in the 17th round as the 496th pick. Before his career, he attended Tallahassee Community College.

For the Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers, Cain was a key player and leader. Famous for his exuberant nature, Cain made amazing center-field catches and stole 120 bases, helping his teams win.

Cain spent most of his career with the Royals despite retiring in 2022 in Milwaukee. After a successful career as an All-Star, he retired in summer 2023.

Sergio Romo

Romo was born in Brawley, CA, on March 4, 1983. Romo’s charisma and competitiveness helped him contribute to MLB.

Giants drafted Romo in the 28th round of 2005 MLB draft. For the Giants, he made a major effect and won three World Series titles in 2010, 2012, and 2014.

With his right-handed sidearm delivery, Romo was a strong pitcher. At 5’11” and 185 pounds, his pitching style was unique.

Romo was admired throughout his career. After making his MLB debut on June 26, 2008, he became a consistent relief pitcher. Years of achievement earned him an All-Star spot in 2013.

After 15 MLB seasons, Romo retired at 40. His spectacular career, which made him one of baseball’s most famous figures, ended on Monday night for the San Francisco Giants.

Dexter Fowler

Dexter Fowler was born William Dexter Fowler on March 22, 1986, in Atlanta, GA. 

He is known for his agility and speed on the field. Fowler has made substantial contributions to Major League Baseball (MLB) during his career.

Fowler was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 14th round of the 2004 MLB draft. He played in the MLB for several teams, including the Rockies, Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Angels6.

Standing at 6’5″ and weighing 195lb, Fowler was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed. Over his career, he was known for his plate discipline and ability to get on base, which often set the table for the rest of the lineup.

Fowler’s performance over the years earned him a place in the All-Star team and helped him win the World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. He also represented Team USA in the Olympics, earning a Bronze medal.

After 14 years of playing in the MLB, Fowler retired in 2023. Post-retirement, he transitioned to a new role as a TV baseball analyst, continuing his association with the sport he loves. 

Jake McGee

Born on August 6, 1986 in San Jose, CA1. Jake McGee had one hell of a career. 

He started it as an MLB draft pick for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays back in 2004 and later played for several teams, including the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, and Washington Nationals.

At 6’4” and weighing 230 pounds, he was a lefty pitcher who could throw some fastballs at speeds up to 97 mph. 

Although his pitch was impressive, it wasn’t his only notable trait. His ability to strike out batters was just as important and helped him gain success in his career.

When you hear the name Jake McGee, words like All-Star come to mind because that’s exactly what he was in 2014. 

In 2022, he finished his career with The Washington Nationals, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that he spent most of his time with the Tampa Bay Rays and Colorado Rockies. Both teams were lucky to have him when they did.

His retirement became official news in 2023 after years of pitching pro ball.

Sean Doolittle

Sean Robert Doolittle was born on September 26, 1986. He played baseball in the Major Leagues for a couple of teams, such as the Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals. 

Drafted in the first round of the 2007 MLB draft by the Athletics. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 218lb, Doolittle was a left-hand pitcher. He’s known for his fastballs and sliders, which led him to be successful on the mound.

He was a two-time All-Star and played an important role in the Washington Nationals winning the World Series.

He had a very successful career that lasted over a decade. Retiring from baseball after more than 11 seasons.

Daniel Murphy

Daniel Thomas Murphy was born on April 1, 1985, in Jacksonville, FL. Throughout his career, he played for numerous teams like the Washington Nationals and the Colorado Rockies.

He primarily played as a second baseman but spent some time at first and third base as well. In the 2006 MLB draft, he was drafted by The New York Mets in the 13th round.

Murphy was known for his ability to hit balls. Particularly his knack for getting on base and driving in runs. He has proven that over the years by being placed on the All-Star team three times.

His most successful postseason performance came in 2015 with The Mets. He was named National League Championship Series (NLCS) Most Valuable Player (MVP) that year. 

This is because he somehow hit a home run in every game of the series against The Chicago Cubs10.

He initially retired in 2020 after a long, active career. 

Then, he made a surprise comeback attempt when he signed with the Los Angeles Angels’ minor league team in 2023 by signing a minor league deal. However, this comeback didn’t last long because he decided to retire again.

Adam Wainwright

Adam “Waino” Parrish Wainwright, sometimes referred to as “Uncle Charlie,” was born on August 30, 1981, in Brunswick, GA.

The Atlanta Braves drafted Wainwright in the first round of the 2000 MLB draft. This right-handed pitcher stands tall at 6’7” and weighs a total of 230lb.

His skills and achievements throughout his career have not gone unnoticed. He managed to become a three-time All-Star and a two-time Gold Glove Award winner. 

His contributions helped the St. Louis Cardinals win two World Series titles in both 2006 and 2011.

With no season skipped, Wainright spent all 18 seasons of his major league career with the Cardinals. Throughout that time, he managed to secure a record of 200 wins paired with only 128 losses and an ERA of 3.53. 

In fact, in his final appearance on the mound, he secured his long-sought-after 200th win.

When he eventually decided it was time to retire, Wainright was celebrated for all of his contributions to the Cardinals and the city of St. Louis as a whole. 

One gift they gave him matched a promise Wainright made to his kids: they handed him a puppy gift wrapped upon retirement.

Jason Kipnis

Jason Michael Kipnis was born in Northbrook, Illinois on April 3rd, 1987. Kipnis was a second baseman in Major League Baseball and primarily played as one, too. 

It wasn’t until the second round of the 200 MLB draft that he was chosen to play for the Cleveland Indians.

Standing at 5’11 feet tall and weighing 200 pounds, Jason Michael Kipnis played most of his career with several teams.

One of those teams included the Atlanta Braves. With his strong arm, he would throw right-handed and then switch it up to left-handed when batting.

Countless times, his gritty style of play earned him the nickname “Dirtbag”. 

Even though he was known for having a rougher style of play than others, it didn’t stop him from becoming an All-Star player, not twice but once.

Hitting and fielding consistency were also some other things Kipnis became known for over the years. This type of versatility made him extremely valuable to all of his teams throughout his career.

Although talented, all good things must come to an end eventually.. even baseball careers. After retiring in 2023, he tried to keep himself busy by staying active with social media and sharing content with fans.

Tyler Clippard

Tyler Lee Clippard was born in Lexington, KY on February 14, 1985.

 This American lad is a former professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball. 

The New York Yankees drafted him in the 9th round of the 2003 MLB draft, and he’s been standing at 6’3” and weighing 200lb ever since. Tyler Lee is right-handed.

Throughout his career, he pitched for multiple teams. Aside from the Yankees, he also worked with the Washington Nationals and even had a stint with Rochester Red Wings. A nickname earned him some fame, too, “Clip-and-Save”.

Making it into the All-Star team twice isn’t easy, but this guy did it. There were two things that made him stand out, though. His ability to strike out batters and his effective changeup.
In 2023, Clippard retired from professional baseball after all his hard work, totaling a 16-year career.

FAQs

Could retired MLB players still be involved in the sport?

Of course, they can. Many retired players find ways to stay within baseball, like coaching, broadcasting, front office work, and doing community outreach.

What did Adam Wainwright achieve before he retired?

Adam Wainwright was an All-Star player three times and won two Golden Glove Awards. He also made significant contributions to the St. Louis Cardinals on their way to two World Series titles in 2006 and 2011.

Which teams did Jason Kipnis play for during his career?

Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians are just a couple of examples of the many teams that Jason Kipnis played for.

What was Tyler Clippard’s best attribute throughout his career? 

Tyler Clippard will be remembered most for his ability to strike out batters using an effective changeup. He was chosen as an All-Star twice in his career.

Are retired MLB players allowed to participate in Hall of Fame elections? 

They actually do get the chance if they meet certain requirements necessary for election into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The selection is by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America every year.

What’s the usual retirement age for MLB players?

The age at which players retire tends to vary, but around their mid or late 30s is a common time. However, there are those who continue playing into their 40s.

So, what exactly happens when MLB players retire?

After they retire, many baseball players stay involved in the sport. They’ll become coaches or managers; some will do broadcasting, and others will join the front office. Some might even leave and pursue new careers far from the baseball diamond.

Final Words

Major League Baseball said goodbye to several notable players in 2023. 

Adam Wainwright, Jason Kipnis, and Tyler Clippard — each one of them left an unforgettable impact on the sport with their skills, accomplishments, and contributions to their teams.

At the same time that their retirement means the end of an era, it also opens up new opportunities for other talented players to emerge and continue the legacy of excellence in MLB. 

Even after they retire, these players keep influencing the game through coaching or by being part of various organizations within the baseball community. And through this path, they inspire future generations to pursue their dreams of playing in a major league.

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