(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Back in 2011, the Baltimore Orioles had a starter named Zack Britton.
The left-hander made 28 starts that year, with a 4.61 ERA.
After two unsuccessful seasons as a starter in 2012 and 2013, the Orioles decided to prepare him as a reliever in 2014.
That year, he posted a 1.65 ERA, saved 37 games, and became one of the most dominant relievers of the mid-to-late 2010s in the American League.
In 2018, Britton was traded to the New York Yankees and started a new chapter as a late-inning star.
Injuries have forced him to slow down in the last couple of years, and after not pitching at all in 2023 at the MLB level, he has announced his retirement.
“Thankful to have had the opportunity to live out my childhood dream these past 12 years. Looking forward to the next chapter,” he tweeted, tagging the two organizations where he played, the O’s and the Yankees, his agent Scott Boras, the league, and the MLB Players Association.
Thankful to have had the opportunity to live out my childhood dream these past 12 years. Looking forward to the next chapter. @Orioles @Yankees @MLB @MLBPA @borascorp https://t.co/2A5qNdyOKL
— Zack Britton (@zbritton) November 20, 2023
As Britton said himself, for most MLB pitchers, staying at the highest level for 12 seasons is a childhood dream.
Not only did he get to fulfill his, but he was also very good while doing it.
He is calling it quits with a career 3.13 ERA and 154 saves.
For a stretch between 2014 and 2016, he was quite likely the best and most efficient reliever in baseball.
He was a two-time All-Star and was named the AL Reliever of the Year in 2016.
Also an advocate for the players, Britton will be missed on a baseball field.
There were few like him.
The post Former MLB All-Star Closer Announces His Retirement appeared first on The Cold Wire.
Read full post on MLB News, Rumors, & Highlights (Updated Daily)
