15-year veteran and former SF Giants outfielder announces retirement

Here is a name you have not heard about in a while. Longtime outfielder Melky Cabrera has officially decided to hang up his spikes after 15 seasons in the majors. He played for the SF Giants during the 2012 season, receiving a World Series ring in his lone year with San Francisco.

15-year veteran and former SF Giants outfielder announces retirement

The 38-year-old has not appeared in a major league game since 2019, but had expressed interest in continuing his career in recent seasons. Given how much time has passed since his last major league game, making an announcement may seem like a formality.

However, the switch-hitting outfielder continued to play in winter ball over the last three seasons. His major league career concluded a few years ago, but his playing career has officially come to a close.

The Giants originally acquired Cabrera from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for left-handed hurler Jonathan Sánchez and pitching prospect Ryan Verdugo. The early returns were extremely favorable as he morphed into one of the best hitters in the league. This looked like a very shrewd move by Giants general manager Brian Sabean.

Cabrera was one of four Giants to make the All-Star team and he took home All-Star MVP honors after collecting two hits, including a homer, and two RBI. He posted a .906 OPS in 501 plate appearances before receiving a 50-game suspension due to a failed PED test.

Gregor Blanco filled in for him and helped the Giants win their second World Series in three seasons. Of course, Blanco was an important piece in the 2014 season as he filled in nicely after Ángel Pagán sustained a back injury.

Cabrera also played for the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, and Pittsburgh Pirates throughout his career. He registered a .285/.334/.417 (103 OPS+) with 1,962 hits and 854 RBI across 15 major league seasons. Regardless of what uniform he was wearing, Cabrera always proved to be a good hitter.

The longtime outfielder posted a .465 OPS in 91 plate appearances for Aguilas Cibaenas of the Dominican Winter League this year. He hangs them up after a pro career that began in 2003 and spanned two decades. We at Around the Foghorn want to wish him the best in his future endeavors.