Ehire Adrianza, a versatile infielder who enjoyed a 12-year MLB career and won a World Series ring with the Atlanta Braves in 2021, announced his retirement from baseball on Tuesday at the age of 35.
Adrianza, known for his reliable glove and ability to play multiple positions, made his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2013. He would go on to also suit up for the Minnesota Twins, Atlanta Braves, Washington Nationals, and most recently, the Los Angeles Angels in 2024.
A Reliable Utility Player
Over his dozen seasons in the big leagues, Adrianza compiled a respectable .237 batting average with 22 home runs and 151 RBIs. But his true value came in his defensive versatility, as he capably manned every infield position and even saw time in the outfield when called upon.
His steadiness and flexibility made him a valuable asset for managers, knowing they could plug Adrianza in practically anywhere and trust him to make the plays. He was the epitome of a selfless teammate, always ready to contribute however needed.
2021 World Series Champion
The pinnacle of Adrianza’s career undoubtedly came in 2021, when he played a key role off the bench for the Atlanta Braves during their championship season. Though his playoff stats were modest, his veteran presence and sure-handed defense whenever called upon helped solidify the Braves’ infield.
Winning the World Series is a dream for every ballplayer who puts on a uniform, and Adrianza got to live that dream with Atlanta. Hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy undoubtedly served as the crowning moment in an accomplished MLB journey.
Final Season with the Angels
Adrianza wrapped up his playing days this season with the Angels, appearing in 8 games and batting .192 with 1 home run. Though his time in Los Angeles was brief, cut short by a back injury, Adrianza remained a positive clubhouse presence before his release in June.
In announcing his retirement on Instagram, an emotional Adrianza reflected on an MLB run that surpassed his wildest dreams:
“I still find it hard to believe that I have had the honor of playing more than a decade in the major leagues,” Adrianza wrote. “I never imagined I would achieve so much, and it’s astonishing to reflect on this experience.”
A Career to Be Proud Of
Indeed, Adrianza’s long and winding journey is one to be celebrated. To reach the pinnacle of the sport is an accomplishment in itself, but to carve out a 12-year career and win a World Series ring cements Adrianza’s legacy as a true baseball success story.
From his beginnings with the Giants to his final games with the Angels, Adrianza consistently brought professionalism, dependability, and skill to the diamond every day. He was the ultimate teammate and an asset to every club he played for.
As he hangs up his spikes for the final time, Ehire Adrianza can look back with immense pride on an MLB career that saw him:
- Play 12 seasons at the game’s highest level
- Suit up for 5 different franchises
- Win a World Series championship (2021 Braves)
- Compile over 1,500 MLB at-bats
- Earn a reputation as a reliable veteran presence
It was a career marked by consistency, selflessness, and the realization of childhood dreams. Adrianza’s love for the game shone through every time he took the field.
Though he may not have the gaudy statistics of some of his peers, Ehire Adrianza’s MLB tenure is a testament to hard work, versatility, and the staying power required to last over a decade in the big leagues. His retirement marks the end of a career any ballplayer would be immensely proud to call their own.
Here’s to Ehire Adrianza, a consummate professional, a World Series champion, and an MLB iron man whose impact went far beyond the box score. Players like him are the backbone of successful teams and clubhouses, and his presence will undoubtedly be missed around the league.
Congratulations on an outstanding career and happy trails in retirement, Ehire!
