Photo: G Fiume/Getty Images
Former Baltimore Orioles All-Star reliever Zach Britton on Monday announced his retirement.
In an interview with The Athletic, Britton said injuries and his desire to spend more time with his family are the reason why he decided to hang up the cleats.
“There’s a lot of talented guys who don’t get to play for 12 years,” Britton told The Athletic. “So I’m very grateful for that. It was the journey, honestly, that was special. I was never great at being good at two things and now it’s time to be all-in on my family.”
Britton was drafted by the Orioles in the third round of the 2006 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut in 2011.
The left-handed pitcher spent his first seven seasons with Baltimore from 2011-18. He was named an All-Star during the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Britton was a part of the 2012, 2014 and 2016 Orioles postseason teams. He helped Baltimore close out games numerous times with 139 saves.
Britton was traded to the American League East rival Yankees in 2018, where he spent the next five years in New York.
Through 12 seasons, Britton notched a 3.13 earned run average, 532 strikeouts and 154 saves through 442 games. He also has 39 home runs.
Congrats to Zack Britton on his retirement from baseball after an incredible career!
Wishing you all the best in your next chapter 🧡 pic.twitter.com/qB6g6q4tub
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) November 20, 2023
