After a 13-year MLB career, Donaldson, 38, announced his retirement from baseball on the “Mayor’s Office” podcast on Monday with former Reds great Sean Casey.
With the A’s in 2010, Donaldson made his major league debut with 34 plate appearances in 14 games.
After making 75 appearances for Oakland in 2012, he went on to play a major league career for the rest of his playindays.
As a member of the Blue Jays, he had his best season in 2015, leading the American League in runs scored, RBIs received, and total bases (352) while also taking home the MVP title.
In addition to playing for the Guardians, Braves, Twins, Yankees, and Brewers, Donaldson was a three-time All-Star.
His final two seasons were largely spent with the Yankees, and they were terrible.
When he was hitting in August of last season, he was released.142 for the entire year.
Donaldson said on the Casey podcast that he wed Briana this offseason after they had been together for seven years and had two kids.
“There was a time at the end of the season that I felt really good about where I was at, and wanted to try to give it one more go,” Donaldson told Casey, who was the Yankees hitting coach for the second half of last season.
However, I am delighted and sad today because I am getting married and staying at home with the family. My family and I have devoted our entire lives to [baseball]. Although I will no longer be able to play the game I love, it is also a very joyous time for me as I get to spend time with my family and begin to write a new chapter in my life.
Donaldson had hinted at a possible return this season back in November.
“I believe that ultimately, everything simply relies on the circumstances. At the time, he declared, “I am definitely up for playing one more year if it is a circumstance that I feel (comfortable in).”
