Two of Major League Baseball’s most popular elder statesmen, Ichiro Suzuki and Bartolo Colon, may have played their last big league game. Suzuki certainly has, having announced his retirement following an emotional sendoff with the Mariners in the season-opening series against the Athletics in Tokyo. Colon has said he hopes to continue his career but has seemingly not received an offer, as he remains unsigned.
Baseball’s youth movement will continue to push down the average age of a big leaguer, but there are still several graybeards throughout the game, led by baseball’s all-time leader in imaginary arrows fired: Fernando Rodney. Rodney was the only player in all of baseball who opened the season on a big league roster at 40 or older. Here’s a look at the game’s oldest players as the league-wide Opening Day (* = on the Major League injured or restricted list):
- Fernando Rodney, RHP, Athletics (born 3/18/77)
- Albert Pujols, DH/1B, Angels (1/16/80)
- Rich Hill, LHP, Dodgers (3/11/80)*
- Erik Kratz, C, Giants (6/15/80)
- Nelson Cruz, DH/OF, Twins (7/1/80)
- CC Sabathia, LHP, Yankees (7/21/80)*
- Pat Neshek, RHP, Phillies (9/4/80)
- Curtis Granderson, OF, Marlins (3/16/81)
- Ben Zobrist, 2B/OF, Cubs (5/26/81)
- Oliver Perez, LHP, Indians (8/15/81)
Rodney is leading the charge and still brings a mid-90s heater to the table. The A’s were comfortable exercising an option that guarantees him $5.25MM this season, so if he can turn in another season of solid, albeit characteristically anxiety-inducing relief work, this may not be his final Opening Day. Sabathia is the only lock on this list to retire after the 2019 season. Several of the entrants, in fact, are controlled beyond the 2019 season. Pujols remains under contract through 2021. Cruz, Neshek and Perez each have options for the 2020 season. Kratz will be 39 on June 15 but will still be arbitration-eligible next offseason.
Hill is still a quality starter on the heels of his late-career breakout, and if he can turn in a reasonably healthy year, he should have interest in free agency (assuming he wants to continue pitching). The Grandy Man is among the game’s most revered clubhouse presences and was a solid bat against righties in 2018. Zobrist had a strong showing in his age-37 campaign last year.
On the flip-side of the coin is Toronto’s Rule 5 pick, righty Elvis Luciano. The 19-year-old hadn’t yet seen his second birthday when Pujols and Sabathia began their MLB careers. He’s a bit of an odd man out on a list that is otherwise comprised of elite prospects (or formerly elite prospects who’ve already become stars), but he holds the distinction of starting the season as the game’s most babyfaced talent. Here are baseball’s youngest players as of yesterday…
- Elvis Luciano, RHP, Blue Jays (born 2/15/00)
- Fernando Tatis Jr., SS, Padres (1/2/99)
- Juan Soto, OF, Nationals (10/25/98)
- Bryse Wilson, RHP, Braves (12/20/97)
- Ronald Acuna Jr., OF, Braves (12/18/97)
- Victor Robles, OF, Nationals (5/19/97)
- Ozzie Albies, 2B, Braves (1/7/97)
- Gleyber Torres, 2B/SS, Yankees (12/13/96)
- Eloy Jimenez, OF, White Sox (11/27/96)
- Rafael Devers, 3B, Red Sox (10/24/96)
Despite their youth, more than half of those 10 players have already completed a full big league season. As one would expect with a group this young but with some notable MLB experience, three of the 10 played significant roles in 2018 Rookie of the Year voting; Acuna took home NL honors in that category ahead of runner-up Soto. Torres finished third in American League voting.
The Braves’ three entrants on this list are a testament to the waves of young talent emerging in Atlanta that should help the organization stay competitive for years to come. The Nationals, likewise, will hope that Soto and Robles comprise two-thirds of their outfield for more than half a decade. San Diego made the bold decision to call Tatis Jr. up to the Majors from Opening Day at a time when teams are famously making a habit of holding potential stars in the Majors for a few weeks to buy an extra year of service (as Atlanta did with Acuna a year ago). The White Sox looked primed to take that approach with Jimenez before ultimately signing him to a record-setting extension and bringing him to the Majors for Opening Day.
I’d argue that Pujols may be the oldest player in baseball…
I think so
such an unintelligent statement.
It has been rumored for years that Pujols is older than actually reported. Remember Rafael Furcal and Miguel Tejada. I’m not sure if this is what SanDiegoTom is referring to but it is far from an unintelligent statement.
For one Pujols went to school is the US which makes him an entirley different situation. Second never heard anything about Furcal but yes Tejada was off by 2 years.
Pujols enrolled in US schools after moving here. His parents were told he could not be 17 or older and be admitted to high school. Without a valid birth certificate, however, they were allowed to state his birth date.
They likely did what any parents would do and created a date that allowed their son get a high school diploma.
Yeah he came to the US in 1996, that doesn’t prove his age. In fact if you look it up opposing high school coaches walked him 55 times his senior year because even then they thought he was much older than 18
Ron Leflore was a few years older than he claimed he was.
Albert Pujols is so horribly out of shape he just looks older than he is. He’s got a body of a 60 year old.
Post 9/11 it is almost impossible to forge a birthdate or birth certificate. Pujols is just bad.
True, but irrelevant. Pujols was already here in 2001. It’s all just rumors.
12up.com/posts/6041654-albert-pujols-latest-statem…
He needs to choose his words carefully.
Tried to look at this link but the 750 pop-up ads made it impossible.
get off your soapbox
Because you’re stupid
how stupid cards must have been drafting an alleged cheater who said he was 3 years younger than he actually was!
Not sure your comment makes any sense, no one ever would say they are older than they actually are always young lol and if your saying pujols is an alleged cheater, the only people who have ever even said that are dumb fans who let fandom cloud their judgement.
I don’t dislike Pujols, but it’s hard to deny that he was very likely a PED user for the good years of his career and through MiLB.
No fandom clouding here, just look at when he was putting up video game numbers (and right out of the gate)…the heart of the steroid era!
Then he got bad when testing ramped up.
How/why would he be above suspicion?
That is idiocy at its finest, but hey you wear it well.
But the whole discussion is whether or not he’s older. If his age 21 season was actually his age 24/25 season, then the career numbers add up. Bonds/Ortiz’s numbers don’t line up with a typical career arc, but Pujols’ do, especially if he’s actually in his 40’s.
Those who curse, call others names are themselves stupid, cuz of their inability to express themselves.
Try to stay classy.
Your math teacher must’ve loved you.
He’s let his real age slip in several interviews. He’s undoubtedly the oldest guy in baseball.
Unless you can produce some evidence it’s an arguement you’re unlikely to win
Pujols even has 3 more years to go on that contract even this year.
Maybe cleveland or the Mets will sign colon to a one day contract when they are well out of the race and attendance is down for one last game.
Big sexy needs to pitch 1 game for every team not on his list. He’s the last player to claim he played for the expos able to do so.
Effective immediately all teams roster are 41 not 40. Sign colon let him pitch a game or relief appearence within 10 days. Cut him next team signs him. Repeat until he’s pitched for every team not on his list. Go into the hall as the only player ever to play for all teams.
Brandon Phillips was drafted by the expos
I haven’t heard of anything about him lately
Didn’t play for them though. Broke in w/ CLE
Think Phillips is done for. Yeah, he hit a GW homer last year vs think was Atlanta, but barely got any MLB time and was not very good other than the homer.
Think he realizes it’s probably time to retire with his family and count all the money he made, maybe take a broadcast gig like some others do that were home town favorites as long as he was at Cinci.
Both have a solid chance (Mets) to a really good chance (Cleveland) to contend at minimum for the division crown. Wtf are you talking about?
Is Luciano the 1st Major League player born this millennium?
yes
I would believe so he’s a young one
Makes you feel old eh
Technically, this millennium didn’t start until January 1, 2001.
Yeah I know, thought someone might pick me up on it. Yet 2000 is generally, though wrongly, thought of as the start of the millennium.
Makes me feel old being born April 2000
Dam, you just made all of us feel old(er) lmao.
I believe that makes you, acarneglia, Generation-Z.
Congratulations, your generation has coolest name.
Excuse me?
Generation X is by far the coolest name…come on Xabial!
I shouldn’t have to tell u of all people!
🙂
The greatest generation is pretty good too
The census bureau only recognizes one generation as actually existing. That is the baby boomer generation.
I graduated high school two months after you were born. Thanks for making me feel old! 😉
This is the very first Opening Day in which I am older than every single major league player. I am 2 months younger than Bartolo. It goes by so fast. It seems like just yesterday Dwight Gooden was considered a babyface tearing down the league and he was 12 years older than me. Now the babyfaces were born after I graduated college.
It was bound to happen eventually, but that doesn’t make it feel any better.
No the Millennium didnt start until 2001. There was no year 0.
That’s just crazy to me. Holy moly makes a guy feel old.
Who said that the Pujols contract wouldn’t pay any dividends? Now the LAA can brag about having the oldest player in BB for the next three years or so, assuming they do not extend him.
too late. pujols already has a 10 year service contract with the angles. these players are young compared to julio franco and jamie moyer. mlb will create the geriatric list.
Pujols has already paid for that contract and then some through extra ticket sales since he has been signed. It may not show on the field anymore, but without Pujols being signed I seriously doubt Mike Trout would have been signed for so much money. There just wasn’t nearly as much interest in the Angels before the Pujols signing.
How is Oliver Perez *ONLY* 37? Feels like he’s been around since they played the game without mitts.
I laughed hard at this. Thank you.
I was legitimately surprised to see how, uh…. “young…” he is as well. When I started this my immediate thoughts were Rodney, Pujols, Sabathia and Ollie. In my mind, Perez was pushing 40.
How was Luciano even eligible for the rule 5 already,how old was he when he originally signed,14-15?
His initial professional contract was voided by the D-backs because of a medical issue. Once they re-signed him for a lesser amount, that loophole effectively made him Rule 5 eligible every season he wasn’t protected on a 40-man.
Seems like a massive flaw
It sounds like if they ever fix that loophole,
He’s going to have a rule, named after him?
Doesn’t seem like common occurrence? Or does it not occur enough, to warrant a rule change lol
This statement is a closing arguement in a grad student’s dissertation about the current ongoing degradation of proper American English. Wow.
Have more interest in what Steve has to say (always insightful) Just want to let Steve know appreciate that by asking him to elaborate, cuz didn’t know that. cool stuff, as always, Steve!
Clepto – Bet he knows Spanish better than you.
Does anyone think that Pujols place on the roster got brought up during the Trout extension discussions? I think Trout has lots of pull on decisions that the Angels make, and that is a good thing.
No
Albert has given away his real age on several occasions. He’s 42. And not very good at hiding it.
No actually he’s never once said it. He went to school in theUS virtually eliminating any chance his age is wrong
Pujols enrolled in US schools after moving here. His parents were told he could not be 17 or older and be admitted to high school. Without a valid birth certificate, however, they were allowed to state his birth date.
They likely did what any parents would do and created a date that allowed their son get a high school diploma.
And if you’ve missed the multiple interviews, that’s your ignorance and can be fixed.
Here’s a good link: 12up.com/posts/6041654-albert-pujols-latest-statem…
Yeah, great link. Opens up like 750 pop-up ads upon opening, which definitely makes it seem like a legit website.
Young braves, more to come. Definitely room to be excited. BUT if our bullpen isn’t fixed and fixed soon, say goodbye to any championship runs. The east is the strongest I’ve seen it in year! Catching is weak for us, but my god that bullpen is so brutal. Our #1 need this offseason was bullpen, it showed it’s ugly head yesterday. The best improvement we made to it, was simply letting go of Sam Freeman. Absolutely embarrassing we did nothing to improve it. Very good, very affordable options were on this FA market that we simply didn’t go after.
Did any of you see the Seattle game. I don’t expect a ton this year from them but they opened up on Boston last night. I could see Beckham, Gonzalez, Encarnarcion, Mallex Smith, and some relievers for players Dipoto identifies. Haniger will be traded before they’re relevant again. I’d like to see them have success just because he does trade so much.
There are now only 6 players left in baseball older than I am. Now excuse me while I take my Geritol, write out my will, and begin funeral planning SMDH
You still have a few years before the rocking chair. I just lost the last two older than me. Although Ichiro was technically on an Opening Day roster, so I have another year before every player on Opening Day rosters is younger than me.
Pujols was the best player I’d ever seen. For ten years at least. I can’t remember exactly how long but for at least so years he was the first man in MLB to hit 330/30/100. The second man was The.
Unfortunately for the Angels, they expected him to not age. Sometimes it easy to get confused when someone plays at such a high level. But he went from 1.114 to 1.011 to .906. .906 is still a good number, just not an elite number, especially when combined with his foot issues, a complete lack of speed, and failure to contribute defensively.
Like so many other bad contracts, the Angels got exactly what should’ve been predicted, just not what they wanted.
If you look at the production curves for great hitters, many still have good to great years in age 31-34 seasons and then decline sharply.
The fact of the matter is the Angels almost assuredly signed a 34-35 year old Pujols to a contract and were doomed to get just the decline years.
If you compare his Angels production to great hitters age 34-41 seasons, the similarities are eye popping.
I am officially older than every player in MLB ♂️
Me too! Lol
I graduated HS before years before any of those “oldest” players were born so don’t feel bad.
Pujols is probably at least 41 maybe 42 ?
In 2015 there were 7 players over 40 on OD rosters. That’s crazy its down to just one.
suzuki was the oldest on a roster for opening day. rodney was oldest on opening day for the rest of baseball.
I have corns on my toes older than Juan Soto and Rafael Devers……
Just for arguments sake, since a lot of you are saying Albert is really 3 years older, if that was actually proven to be the case, could the angels get the rest of his contract voided and be off the hook? I could see that becoming a huge legal issue on damages that Albert caused the franchise etc…not saying he is faking his age or not, just throwing a hypothetical out there.
They would have to have some kind of proof or a legit confession (his interviews that seem to indicate that he is older do not count as this)
Go visit just 1 (pick any) of the Caribbean islands some time and you would wonder how any type of actual government could function properly, much less something so far down the list of priorities as birth certificates.
Yes.. As have said before, it’s been nearly 40y since been to any of the isles (DR, Haiti, etc..), but how much improvement it would have required to go from nothing (virtually) to what one would think necessary to record keeping basics is night and day..
that means any of the latin players on the youngest list could be 5 years older than they say they are. i don’t understand why people accuse pujols of cheating with his age without firm proofs.
johnsilver — This is kind of a bigoted remark. Just because something doesn’t look like the way you expect it to, doesn’t mean it isn’t working. And who gives a spit about birth certificates? Western culture (which makes up much less than half of the world) cares about birth certificates. The rest of the world? Not as much.
Umm…this isn’t simply “not looking the way we expect it to”, the quality of life and the life expectancy in those countries is really bad, and that starts with inept or corrupt government.
You can call it bigoted, maybe that’s today’s safe space word for it, but exactly what I saw when went down to those isles serving in the military and people were starving, couldn’t feed themselves, corruption wild at every level. Papa Doc and Baby doc Duvalier running haiti, only more oppressive regime in this hemisphere has been the castro brothers and only castro has murdered more of his own.
I know what I saw 1st hand. Nails in walls to hold plasma bottles. Could go into more detail.. But why bother?
Fangraphs did a great piece on that question: blogs.fangraphs.com/how-the-angels-could-get-out-o…
The bottom line is the task would be difficult. Albert’s age has been doubted so publicly and for so long that Arte should have done to protect himself.
Any amount of research and Albert’s own interviews clearly point to him being 3 years older than his stated age. But there’s no definitive proof that would meet a legal standard. If there was definitive proof of his age, this whole thing wouldn’t be possible.
yup! yo-yo and meg had a chat! big deal!
Fernando Rodney is every Padres fans’ favorite player. We love you Rodney! Sunday is Chris Paddack day at Petco!
No he is not, Tony Gwynn was and is.
A shout out to Benny Z. In 3 of his past 4 years (ages 34-37) his slash line has been better than his career avg. He did have a poor 2017. Age 37 (2018) he hit .305/.378/.440/.817. Career avg 267/.357/.429/.786.
He also isn’t an embarrassment in the field and in 2018 played 63 games at 2b, 61 games in RF, 43 in LF, 4 at 1B, and 1 game at DH.
Rodney should get to fire imaginary arrows if he were good at baseball. Spoiler, he’s not
Rodney has a magic change-up. I would keep him and pay him teach it to young guys.
I can remember in 1976 when “The Bird”, the Yankee revival and “The Big Red Machine” dominated baseball news, Minnie Minosa was a 50 year old DH for the ChiSox.
I just can’t believe *this* list of players is the list of oldest players in the majors.