Dustin Pedroia announced his retirement today from Major League Baseball.
Pedroia, 37, made his last appearance in 2019 with the Red Sox. He only played 9 games from 2018-2019 dealing with knee issues, that started many years prior.
Pedroia debuted in 2006, and would go on to help the Red Sox win the World Series in 2007, winning AL Rookie of the Year that year. He would go on to win the AL MVP a year later, in 2008. His career lasted a total of 14 seasons, and Pedroia played a total of 1,512 games with the Red Sox.
“Dustin is so much more than his American League Most Valuable Player award, his All-Star Game Selections, and the Gold Gloves he amassed thoughout his impressive 17 year career in our organization,” Red Sox owner John Henry said in a statement.
Pedroia was selected in the second round, as the 65th Pick in the 2004 draft. That was after starring for the Arizona State Sun Devils. He spent 3 years in the minors from 2004-2006, playing 31 games in 2006 for the big league club. Pedroia would then burst on to the scene in 2007 winning AL ROY. He had many big moments to help lead to the Red Sox to a World Series in 2007.
The next year, Pedroia would go on to win an AL MVP award in 2008. As well as a Silver Slugger and Gold Glove. Pedroia was also a big part of the Red Sox in 2013, who went on to win the World Series that year.
Pedroia had dealt with knee issues for years. He has had four left knee procedures since the end of the 2016 season. In January of 2020 he suffered a “significant” setback which costed him his 2020 season. It forced him to re-evaluate his decision to make a comeback. Pedroia was going to make $12 Million in 2021.
“Through championships and injuries, Dustin’s disciplined approach never wavered. His work ethic is incomparable, and we saw him attack his rehab during the last chapter of his career with the same intensity he approached the batters box in his prime.” Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy said in a statement.
Dustin Pedroia won 3 World Series, 4 Gold Gloves, a Rookie of the Year, and an MVP in his 14 Year Career. This retirement clears up space on a roster that doesn’t have much space to spare.
Thank you Pedey.
Pedroia is scheduled to meet with reporters today at 1:30 PM.