{"id":644156,"date":"2026-03-26T08:41:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T08:41:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/644156\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T08:41:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T08:41:33","slug":"cleveland-guardians-legend-announces-retirement-from-mlb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/644156\/","title":{"rendered":"Cleveland Guardians Legend Announces Retirement From MLB"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 01: Roberto Perez #55 of the Cleveland Indians reacts after Addison Russell #27 of the Chicago Cubs , hit a two-run RBI double during the first inning in Game Six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field on November 1, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

On Thursday evening, the Cleveland Guardians<\/a> will play their first game of the 2026 regular season when they visit the Mariners<\/a> in Seattle.<\/p>\n

Before Opening Day, a franchise legend announced that he is calling it quits on his baseball career.<\/p>\n

Cleveland Guardians Legend Announces Retirement\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO \u2013 APRIL 10: Roberto Perez #55 of the Cleveland Indians hits a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers<\/a> in the second inning during a game at Progressive Field on April 10, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Roberto Perez (who last played in 2023) announced his retirement from baseball (h\/t MLB Trade Rumors<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Perez wrote (via Instagram<\/a>): \u201cAfter much thought and reflection, I have decided to officially retire from baseball. This game has been a major part of my life and has shaped me both on and off the field. Through baseball, I\u2019ve learned discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the importance of commitment. I am deeply grateful for every coach, teammate, trainer, and supporter who helped me along the way and believed in me throughout my journey. While this decision was not an easy one, I feel confident that it is the right time to step away and begin the next chapter of my life. I leave the game with nothing but respect and appreciation for everything it has given me. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this experience and for the opportunities, lessons, and memories that will stay with me forever. Sincerely, Roberto Bebo Perez\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb\u26be\ufe0f\u201d<\/p>\n

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Perez\u2019s MLB Career\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyCHICAGO, IL \u2013 OCTOBER 29: Roberto Perez #55 of the Cleveland Indians walks across the field in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs<\/a> in Game Four of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field on October 29, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Perez was picked in the 33rd round of the 2008 MLB<\/a> Draft.<\/p>\n

He spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Guardians.<\/p>\n

In that span, the 37-year-old won two Gold Glove Awards (and helped the franchise reach the World Series).<\/p>\n

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GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MN \u2013 JULY 31: Roberto Perez #55 and Brad Hand<\/a> #33 of the Cleveland Indians hug at the mound after defeating the Minnesota Twins<\/a> 6-2 at Target Field on July 31, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Perez also spent the final two seasons of his ten-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a> and San Francisco Giants<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Over 516 career games, he batted .207 with 55 home runs, 193 RBI\u2019s and 165 runs.<\/p>\n

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GettyNEW YORK, NY \u2013 MARCH 30: Roberto Perez #1 of the San Francisco Giants<\/a> hits a single during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees<\/a> on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium on March 30, 2023 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Current Guardians\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO \u2013 SEPTEMBER 30: Manager Stephen Vogt<\/a> #12 of the Cleveland Guardians speaks with the media following game one of the American League Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers at Progressive Field on September 30, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Guardians are coming off a season where they won the AL Central with an 88-74 record.<\/p>\n

They lost to the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card Round.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tBen Stinar<\/a> Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.\u00a0
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\nHe has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

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