Former Minnesota Twins shortstop Ehire Adrianza has announced his retirement, calling it a career after 12 major league seasons in a post on his Instagram account on Wednesday morning.
“This journey has been incredibly challenging, filled with ups and downs, but every step along the way has been a blessing that I cherish immensely,” Adrianza said. “...I still find it hard to believe that I have had the honor of playing more than a decade in the Major Leagues. I never imagined I would achieve so much, and it’s astonishing to reflect on this experience.”
Adrianza played for six different teams in his career but was claimed by the Twins on waivers from the San Francisco Giants before the 2017 season. Adrianza played four seasons for Minnesota from 2017 through 2020 and saw an expanded role after Jorge Polanco’s suspension for PEDs in 2018. But his best season came in 2019, hitting .272/.349/.416 with five homers and 22 RBI on the Bomba Squad team that won 101 games on the way to a division title.
Adrianza’s time in Minnesota came to an end in Minnesota after the 2020 season and he rebounded to hit .247/.327/.401 with five homers and 28 RBI while helping the Atlanta Braves win the World Series in 2021.
“Since my childhood, I dreamed of the possibility of winning a World Series, a goal that once seemed so distant and almost unattainable,” Adrianza wrote. “However, thanks to my effort, dedication, and the unwavering support of each one of you, that dream has become a reality.”
The 35-year-old went on to play three more seasons but he was limited to 50 major league games between the Braves, the Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels. While he played for many teams, Adrianza’s best years were in Minnesota and his versatility that included time at third base, was utilized throughout the late 2010s.