Juan Lagares has officially hung up his cleats.
The 2015 Gold Glove Award winner, who last graced the major league diamond four years ago, announced his retirement from baseball on Instagram on February 19.
At 36, Lagares expressed heartfelt gratitude to the sport, extending thanks to his current team, Águilas Cibaeñas of the Dominican Winter League, in a Spanish-language post.
Lagares' MLB journey saw him don the jerseys of the New York Mets from 2013 to 2020 and the Los Angeles Angels from 2021 to 2022. He steps away with a .250/.291/.360 slash line, tallying 31 home runs, 217 RBIs, and 45 stolen bases across 850 games.
Despite not being a powerhouse at the plate-never surpassing six home runs in a season or exceeding 465 plate appearances-Lagares' defensive prowess kept him in the game for two decades. His glove work was his calling card, a trait that teams valued immensely.
After wrapping up his time with the Angels, Lagares dedicated the last four winter league seasons to Aguilas, appearing in 90 games.
Lagares burst onto the scene with the Mets in 2013, capturing the National League Wilson Defensive Player of the Year Award. His 14 assists led all NL center fielders that season, a testament to his defensive acumen.
In 2014, Lagares, then 25, led all NL center fielders in Defensive Runs Saved. His exceptional fielding, highlighted by jaw-dropping catches and pinpoint throws, earned him his first and only Gold Glove Award.
Injuries may have limited his regular-season availability, but Lagares was pivotal in the Mets’ 2015 NL pennant chase. He hit .429 in the NL Division Series against the Dodgers, .333 in the NL Championship Series against the Cubs, and .300 in his World Series appearances against the Royals.
Juan Lagares' career was a testament to the impact of elite defense, reminding us all that baseball is as much about preventing runs as it is about scoring them.