A Heartfelt Retirement Announcement

After an incredible 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, Josh Harrison is saying goodbye to the diamond, making his retirement announcement exactly 14 years to the day after his debut. The 37-year-old took to X to express his gratitude, thanking his family, teammates, and everyone who impacted his storied career. In his touching farewell, he reflected on the lessons baseball taught him: "Thank you for helping shape me, humble me, and giving me a platform to grow, not just as a player, but as a man. I’m blessed to have been a 2x All-Star and to play for as long as I did. Future players, don’t let others’ expectations limit your potential. Put in the work and go get what you deserve."

From Draft Day to Stardom

Drafted in the sixth round by the Chicago Cubs in 2008, Harrison never donned a Cubs jersey at the MLB level. Instead, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009, where he made his Major League debut in 2011. Over eight memorable seasons with the Pirates, Harrison showcased his versatility, excelling primarily at second and third base.

A Career Highlight: The Rise of a Star

Harrison’s big break came in 2014 when he earned his first All-Star nod after an outstanding season, batting .315 with 13 home runs and contributing significantly to the Pirates' postseason run. His performance landed him ninth in NL MVP voting, and while Andrew McCutchen was the face of the team, Harrison's star shone bright during this era, helping the Pirates reach the playoffs from 2013 to 2015.

Contract Extensions and Career Developments

Later that year, he capitalized on his success by signing a lucrative four-year, $27.3 million contract with the Pirates. However, after a challenging 2018 season marked by injuries and declining performance, the Pirates opted not to renew his contract for 2019, marking a shift in his career.

A Versatile Career Across Many Teams

In the latter part of his career (2019-2023), Harrison took his talents to several teams, including the Tigers, Nationals, Athletics, White Sox, and Phillies, maintaining a solid batting average of .254 over 1,335 plate appearances. He notably excelled with Washington and showcased resilience even after being traded to the Athletics.

An All-Around Asset on the Field

Across his career, Harrison made his mark not only with his bat, hitting .270 with 73 home runs and 1,080 hits but also as a utility player, covering every position except catcher. He even made a few surprise appearances on the mound, showcasing his all-around athleticism.

Wishing a Bright Future Ahead

As Josh Harrison hangs up his cleats, the MLB community celebrates a remarkable journey filled with determination and accomplishment. We, at MLB Trade Rumors, extend our heartfelt congratulations to Harrison on a legendary career and wish him all the best in his post-playing endeavors.