Former All-Star reliever Chad Cordero has retired, the St. Paul Saints announced. The 29-year-old had been pitching for the Saints, who play in the independent American Association. The Blue Jays released Cordero from Triple-A last month after signing him to a minor league deal in January.
The Expos selected Cordero with the 20th overall pick in the 2003 draft and he was in the Montreal 'pen later on that same season. He put together a solid 2004 campaign for the Expos and was the franchise's full-time closer in 2005. Cordero led the National League with 47 saves that year and made the All-Star team. He followed his breakout season with solid performances in '06 and '07, but had surgery to replace a torn labrum in 2008 and has struggled since.
The right-hander earned $11.5MM as a Major Leaguer, according to Baseball-Reference.com. Best of luck to Cordero in his post-baseball career as he recovers from personal tragedy. Hat tip to Bill Ladson of MLB.com.
