When Buster Posey sat out the 2020 season to be with his family – including newly-adopted twins – you kinda wondered if he was going to be a guy who was ready to transition into post-playing family life a little sooner than most. There had also been a bit of a downtrend for the former top-tier catcher, who’ll be 35 next year, and many figured 2021 would be his final year either way.
But Posey came back for his last year under contract with the Giants in 2021, and had one of his best seasons in years (.304/.390/.499 140 wRC+, great defense, albeit innings-managed). The guy was fantastic. It would’ve been very easy for the Giants to want him back, and for him to keep going.
Still, he’s hanging ’em up:
BREAKING NEWS: Sources tell The Athletic that Buster Posey will announce his retirement tomorrow. More to come…
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) November 3, 2021
With three rings and a huge peak for a catcher, Posey has a very good shot at the Hall of Fame in five years (and if not then, probably within a couple years thereafter). Great career.
Posey arguably would’ve been an important part of a competitive 2022 Giants team given how good he was this past year, so now we’re left to wonder what the Giants will do behind the plate. It was already a rough market to try to find a starting-caliber catcher, and it’s possible Joey Bart isn’t ready. More to come, indeed.
What a career!
3-time World Series champion @BusterPosey will reportedly announce his retirement tomorrow after an illustrious 12 year career.@SFGiants I #MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/xDgY78RZmW
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 3, 2021