Wil Myers, the former Rookie of the Year and one-time All-Star has announced the end of his MLB career, as confirmed to AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. Myers spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, playing for three different organizations, with the majority of his career — eight seasons — spent with the San Diego Padres.
Myers’ professional journey began in 2009 when he was selected as a third-round draft pick by the Kansas City Royals. However, the right-handed hitter never made his MLB debut with Kansas City. Instead, he broke into the league with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2013 at the young age of 22. Myers quickly made an impact during his rookie season, posting an impressive .293/.354/.478 slash line with a 131 OPS+, earning him the American League Rookie of the Year award.
Following his breakout season, Myers was traded to the Padres during the 2014 offseason. He became a key part of San Diego’s lineup over the next eight years, appearing in 888 games with the club. Myers’ standout season came in 2016 when he delivered a 3.5 WAR campaign. That year, he slashed .259/.336/.461 and hit 28 home runs across 157 games.
Toward the latter part of his career, Myers joined the Cincinnati Reds in 2023. While in Cincinnati, he played in 37 games, hitting three home runs. Unfortunately, injuries, including persistent shoulder issues, plagued his time with the Reds and prompted him to consider retirement. However, Myers clarified that he wouldn’t be officially retiring, leaving the door open for any future possibilities in the game.
Reflecting on his career, Myers shared with Cassavell, “I had a great career. I loved what I did. I made a lot of great friends. I have no regrets. If you had told me the day I was drafted that this would be my career, I would’ve taken it in a heartbeat. I loved what I did, and now it’s just kind of onto the next chapter of life.”
Over his career, Myers carved out a solid legacy as a versatile player who delivered significant contributions both in the outfield and at first base. While his production waned in the later years, his early success and consistency with the Padres cemented him as a fan favorite in San Diego.
As Myers transitions to life beyond baseball, he leaves the sport with fond memories and no regrets. He embodies the passion and resilience required to excel in Major League Baseball. Whether or not he officially steps away from the game, his contributions over more than a decade remain a testament to his skill and dedication.
