Boston Red Sox star second baseman Dustin Pedroia announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Monday after a 14-year career that featured plenty of classic matchups against the New York Yankees.
The 37-year-old had been hampered with injuries over the last three years, appearing in just nine combined games including none in the shortened 2020 season.
A four-time All-Star, Pedroia played 1,512 games — all with the Red Sox — winning two World Series titles, four Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger along with American League Rookie of the Year (2007) and MVP honors (2008). He finished his career with 1,805 hits, a .299 batting average, and an .805 OPS along with 140 home runs, 922 runs scored, and 725 RBIs.
Pedroia played 155 career games against the Yankees and was a sizable thorn in their sides, slashing .294/.356/.422 (.778 OPS) with 12 home runs and 75 RBI.
“Dustin is so much more than his American League Most Valuable Player award, his All-Star Game selections, and the Gold Gloves he amassed throughout his impressive 17-year career in our organization,” Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement. “Dustin came to represent the kind of grit, passion, and competitive drive that resonates with baseball fans everywhere and especially with Red Sox fans.
“He played the game he loves in service to our club, its principles, and in pursuit of championships. Most of all we are forever grateful to him for what he brought to our club and to our region as an important role model showing all of us how much one can accomplish with determination and hard work.”
His resume immediately sparks conversations about whether or not he is worthy of Hall-of-Fame consideration — especially when a blend of offensive and defensive prowess is scarce at the second-base position. Pedroia is the only player in MLB history to win a World Series, MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Gold Glove awards within his first two full seasons.
