Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who hasn’t played since 2019 due to a knee injury he sustained two seasons earlier, announced his retirement on Monday.
Pedroia, 37, a four-time All-Star who was named Rookie of the Year in 2007 and American League MVP in 2008, played his entire 17-year professional career in the Red Sox organization. He won three World Series rings with the Red Sox and won the Gold Glove four times.
“Dustin is so much more than his AL MVP award, his All-Star picks and the Golden Gloves he has amassed during his impressive 17-year career with our organization,” said Red Sox owner John Henry a statement.
Dustin came to represent the kind of determination, passion and competitive drive that resonates with baseball fans everywhere and especially Red Sox fans. He played the game he loves in the service of our club, its principles and the pursuit championships. He is eternally grateful to him for what he has brought to our club and our region as an important role model and shows how much we can achieve with determination and hard work. ”
Pedroia’s knee problems started in April 2017, when then Baltimore Orioles star Manny Machado hit Pedroia with a heavy slip on second base. Since then, he has undergone multiple surgeries on his left knee, starting with the first procedure in October 2017. He played a total of only nine games between the 2018-19 seasons.
In 14 Major League-seasons, he hit .299 / .365 / .439 with 140 home runs, 394 doubles and 725 RBI’s.