Blue Jays seven-year veteran announces retirement from Major League Baseball

A former Toronto Blue Jay has announced his retirement on Friday, as relief pitcher Erik Swanson is calling it a career after seven seasons in the Majors.

Swanson was drafted in the 8th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers, and eventually debuted in 2019 with the Seattle Mariners. 

Swanson pitched to a 4.20 ERA in seven seasons with time spent with the Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays. He spent the last three seasons with Toronto, pitching to a 7-4 record with a 4.28 ERA over that span.  

His best seasons came in 2022 with Seattle, when he pitched to a 1.68 ERA in 57 outings, and followed that up with a strong 2023 campaign, his first with the Blue Jays. He pitched to a 2.97 ERA in 69 games in 2023. 

In 2025, Swanson struggled mightily in limited action, pitching to a 1-0 record with a 15.19 ERA in six appearances. Now, the 32-year-old is hanging up the cleats.

More Blue Jays news:

• Blue Jays could sign Pete Alonso, but it would come with a huge George Springer risk
• Blue Jays predicted to make blockbuster trade for $325 million two-time World Series MVP, five-time All-Star to replace Bo Bichette