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One of the most exciting defenders in recent New York Mets history is hanging his glove up for the final time.
Juan Lagares has announced his retirement from baseball.
The news was shared Thursday on X by Mets reporter Mike Mayer.
Lagares is 36 years old and hasn't played in MLB since 2022.
His first eight seasons were with the Mets. He batted .254 for New York
Lagares won a Gold Glove in 2014 for the Mets as a star centerfielder. That was his best season in MLB, with a 5.2 Wins Above Replacement, combining the defense along with a .281 average that season.
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After his eight years with the Mets, Lagares played for the Los Angeles Angels for his final two MLB seasons.
All told, Lagares played 850 games in his MLB career. He batted .250 with 119 doubles, 22 triples and 31 homers. Lagares also stole 45 bases in his career.
Lagares has actually only played in the Dominican Winter League each of the last four years, not playing in MLB-affiliated ball during the spring and summer.
Lagares batted .319 in last year's winter league, but just .225 this year.
Now, he's hanging his cleats up for the final time.
A lifetime in baseball could lead Lagares into coaching if he wants it, but wherever he goes, he can know he made the most of the talent he had.
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