Former Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson announced his retirement at the age of 32 on Thursday.
Lindsay Dunn had the screenshot of Swanson’s Instagram post on social media:
What Swanson said
As I sit here trying to figure out where to even begin, typing this for what feels like the 100th time… The one word I keep coming back to is GRATEFUL!
I am so incredibly grateful for my family, my agents, my teammates, coaches, medical staff, clubhouse managers, and everyone else in between who made my life easier and my family’s life easier. That’s one of the amazing things about this game, there are so many hands involved behind the scenes that help make this whole thing tick.
I am so incredibly grateful that I have parents who always supported me, no matter what I needed or when I needed it. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
I’m not sure they make words to describe how Grateful and appreciative I am of my wife (I’m going to try in a later post). She’s been there with me every step of the way, my ride or die!
This game took me to places I don’t think I could have ever guessed I’d be. It gave me cities to call home and people to call family. It’s incredible how many relationships this game has brought into my life. From lifelong friends up in Toronto and Winnipeg, to friends in big cities like Seattle and small towns like Hickory, NC, and all the other little stops In between. It’s pretty amazing how a simple game can bring so many amazing people into your world.
My time in this game was nothing short of amazing. Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way and to all those who supported me.
You all have truly made this journey an unforgettable 12 years.
—with extreme gratitude,
About his career
An eight-round pick of the Texas Rangers in 2014, Swanson debuted in 2019 with the Seattle Mariners. He became a valued member of the M’s bullpen in 2021 and 2022, pitching to a 1.68 ERA in the latter campaign.
The Blue Jays acquired him before the 2023 season in exchange for outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, and he delivered a solid 2023, going 4-2 with a 2.97 ERA in 69 games. He tossed a career-high 66.2 innings that season, but injuries took their toll in 2024, as he made just 45 appearances and had a 5.03 ERA.
He made only six big-league appearances this season, going 1-0 with a 15.19 ERA.
Because of his age and prior track record, he likely would have had minor league opportunities this offseason, but he evidently doesn’t want or need them.
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