Josh Willingham officially announced his retirement at age 35, following 11 seasons in the majors for the Marlins, Twins, Nationals, A’s, and Royals.
Willingham signed a three-year, $21 million deal with the Twins in 2012 and had a career-year that season, hitting .260 with 35 homers and an .890 OPS in 145 games.
He struggled to stay healthy in the final two seasons of the contract, playing a total of just 203 games in 2013/2014 while hitting .211 with a .724 OPS.
Willingham perhaps could have struck around for another season as a bench bat or platoon designated hitter versus left-handers, but he ceased being a serviceable defensive left fielder.
He finishes with 195 career homers and an .823 OPS in 1,147 games--including an OPS above .800 every season from 2006-2012--which is fantastic production considering Willingham didn’t get his first extended action in the majors until age 27 despite topping a .900 OPS at Single-A, Double-A, and Triple-A.
