Kyle Seager retires as a lifelong member of the Seattle Mariners

The idea of Kyle Seager in another uniform was a strange one. He had been an icon on the Seattle Mariners, a player who had spent his entire career in the Pacific Northwest. However, if he was going to continue his career, he would need to depart as the Mariners have made it clear that they moved on from him at the hot corner.

It turns out that Seager will not wear another uniform in his career. According to his wife Julie, he has decided to retire, ending an 11 year major league career.

Kyle Seager retires as lifetime member of Seattle Mariners

Chances are, Seager could have received another opportunity in the majors. There are several teams in need of a third baseman, and he would have been the best option in free agency. It was even possible that he could have headed to the Rangers to team up with his brother.

He had a solid enough showing in 2021 where another team would have been interested. Seager posted an OPS+ of just 100, but also had a career best 35 homers and 101 RBI. Those 35 homers are now the second most of any player in MLB history during their final year, trailing only David Ortiz‘s 38 homers in 2016.

Seager ends his career as one of the best players in Mariners’ history. He produced a lifetime .251/.321/.442 batting line with 242 homers and 309 doubles. An All Star and Gold Glove winner in 2014, he ranks seventh all time in Mariners’ history in bWAR and is a sure bet for the team’s Hall of Fame.

However, this ending is not what Seager deserved. He was essentially shoved out the door by the front office, being notified via e-mail that his team option for the upcoming year was being declined. Considering that he spent his entire career in Seattle, the organization certainly should have given him more respect at the end.

In a bit of a surprise, Kyle Seager has decided to retire. He will end his playing days having been a lifetime member of the Seattle Mariners.