Veteran third baseman Eric Chavez is considering retirement, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post (Twitter link). Chavez, 33, is "leaning heavily towards" hanging up his cleats after 14 Major League seasons.
Chavez considered retirement in 2010 following three injury-plagued years and multiple surgeries on his back and shoulder, but signed a minor league deal with the Yankees in the offseason and ended up as a valuable bench piece for the AL East champions. Chavez hit .263/.320/.356 in 175 plate appearances, all but 23 of which were against right-handed pitching. He also made 33 starts at third base filling in for the injured Alex Rodriguez and showed some of the form (a +9.5 UZR/150) that earned him six straight Gold Gloves for the A's between 2001-06.
Should this be the end for Chavez, he will retire with a career line of .267/.342/.474, 232 home runs and career earnings of approximately $75.63MM.
Scott Lawless
Growing up knowing him and his family, I would love to see him still playing, but he will do whats best for him. Good guy, good career. Good luck Chavy
MattCMoore
If not for the injuries Chavez would still be one of the best 3B in the league today.
fpsantangeloswingman
Sherman failed to report that Chavez happened to injure himself as he was leaning.
Rabbitov
Eh, Chavez is a fighter dude. A lot of players would have retired 6 years ago dealing with what he had to deal with. I give him props.
Matt Busche
I agree. At least he tried to come back from his injuries, have to give him respect for that
Ben Brown
Can you name any players that have retired in the middle of a contract with guaranteed eight-figure annual salaries?….didn’t think so.
AJCBE
Don’t lean too heavily Eric, you’ll injure yourself.
AJCBE
Oh we did the same joke at the same time. How embarrassing.
drjayphd
His spine, on the other hand, made that decision six years earlier.
EdinsonPickle
Chavez could have been one of the great 3rd baggers of our generation had he stayed healthy. Despite the fantastic career he could have had; he still put together a nice run as a big leaguer.
Pete 12
Hope he comes back to Oakland as a fielding coach, he’s definitely got the temperment and leadership qualities of a manager, hopefully also with Oakland, post-Melvin.
RepOak
Chavez probably would have done better then A-ROD in the playoffs…
5_tool_MiLB_fool
this man is the reason i crap my pants every time i see a player go on the 15-day dl
Brian Capoccia
Eric is a stud. Good luck and enjoy retirement.
Julian Dahlquist
Sign with the Twins, then he can come back the following year with someone like the Pirates or Royals and hit 40 bombs.
PRKnight
I liked Chavez this year. He played hard and when he was on the field he showed me something. I wouldn’t mind the yanks bringing him back if he wants to, I’m not 100% sold on Laird being the backup yet
Chris
Hey you have your money right? RETIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!! You were good in MVP 2005 ans tht’s why you ended my 104 chicago cub WS drought.
Chris
Back in 2004
Chris
Back in 2004
Chris
Hey you have your money right? RETIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!! You were good in MVP 2005 ans tht’s why you ended my 104 chicago cub WS drought.
Chris
God I wish I could retire by 33,though I’m only 20 :)13 more years. Puctuationkinda off vause im kinda drunk
Nathan Beck
It’s a safe bet for you to not drink until you’re 21 bud.
Chris
God I wish I could retire by 33,though I’m only 20 :)13 more years. Puctuationkinda off vause im kinda drunk
stewie75
wouldn’t mind a platoon of chavez & derosa at third for the cubbies next season.
stewie75
wouldn’t mind a platoon of chavez & derosa at third for the cubbies next season.
Aaron Ebbs
Would love him back he filled his role very well this year.