Former All-Star catcher Mike Zunino retired on Wednesday, according to a social media post from his agency, Wasserman Baseball. At 32, Zunino calls it quits after 11 big league seasons, one All-Star appearance and a great reputation.
“With profound gratitude, I am announcing my retirement from Major League Baseball after 11 seasons,” Zunino said in a written statement. “As I reflect on my career, I am appreciative of the support of the baseball community and those who have guided me along the way.”
All-Star Catcher Mike Zunino Retires
Zunino impressed scouts during his time at the University of Florida as a slugging, yet solid defensive catcher. After winning the coveted Golden Spikes Award in his junior year, the Seattle Mariners selected him third overall in the 2012 MLB Draft.
Just one year later, Seattle promoted Zunino to the majors. Some might say they rushed him, as he largely struggled offensively throughout his tenure. In six seasons with the Mariners, he played 587 games and hit .207/.276/.406, good enough for an OPS+ 11 points below the league average.
That said, Zunino still provided immense value with his power and defense. With Seattle, Zunino accumulated 13.6 fWAR, largely due to his elite defense (40 Defensive Runs Saved in that span). While he put up above-average offensive production in 2016 and 2017, the Mariners moved on after he struggled in 2018.
Seattle traded him to his home state after that season in a multi-player deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. While he still hit for a low average and struck out at a way above league-average rate, he seemed to settle in as a catcher who pitchers loved throwing to while providing great offensive pop.
His skills came all together in 2021 when he produced his best season. In 109 games, Zunino slugged 33 homers and hit .216/.301/.860, good for a 136 OPS+. He made his lone All-Star team that season and even hit a homer off Taijuan Walker in the game.
After a tough 2022 in Tampa, Zunino joined the Cleveland Guardians before the 2023 campaign. However, he played in only 42 games before the team designated him for assignment in June. He sat out the rest of the season and ultimately decided to retire instead of joining another team.
Mike Zunino retires with 149 homers and 18.3 career fWAR across 11 seasons.
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