Former Closer, 13 Year Veteran Retires

With 133 career saves, and a very impressive 2.98 ERA after 13 seasons in the big leagues, 36-year-old reliever Steve Cishek has decided to call it quits. He made the announcement on his Instagram.

Per his Instagram, former Angel Steve Cishek has retired. pic.twitter.com/r4Nndx2syE

— Angels Reddit (@angelsreddit) December 31, 2022

Cishek said his body told him it was time to retire. “It’s gotten harder for me to bounce back game-to-game. The ball wasn’t coming out as crisp as before, and it felt like I had to pitch differently. I know I’ll get the bug and want to get back out there, but I don’t think I’m pulling a Tom Brady.

“I don’t have anything to complain about,” Cishek added. “I had a good career. I had a lot of fun and got to play with some amazing teammates.”

With his low arm slot, his delivery was deceptive, but his final numbers weren't. He deserved to finish with a career ERA under 3.00, as eight of his 13 years were spent under that benchmark. He also had a lifetime 1.20 WHIP and 9.4 K/9. 

Cishek was a solid closer for the Miami Marlins from 2012 through 2014, and again with the Seattle Mariners in 2016. He contributed some tremendous bullpen work with the Chicago Cubs as well in 2018-19, sprinkling in 11 saves with his 2.55 combined ERA on the North Side.

He finished his major league career with the Washington Nationals in 2022. 

Best of luck in retirement and congratulations on a great career. 

Photo: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports