Longtime Red Sox star Dustin Pedroia is hanging up his cleats for good following a standout MLB career. Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Red Sox legend, 2008 AL MVP Dustin Pedroia announces retirement

Dustin Pedroia has not played a full season for the Boston Red Sox since 2017, but he hoped to return to the field despite his long battle with a left knee injury. 

On Monday, the former MVP second baseman laid to rest his dreams of returning to the diamond, announcing his retirement from Major League Baseball. 

"Dustin is so much more than his American League Most Valuable Player award, his All-Star Game selections, and the Gold Gloves he amassed throughout his impressive 17-year career in our organization," Red Sox principal owner John Henry said in a statement.

Pedroia appeared in 1,512 games for the Red Sox from 2006-19, though he only played nine games from 2018-19 due to his knee injury. In 14 seasons in the majors, the 37-year-old slashed .299/.365/.439 with 140 home runs and 725 RBI. 

The California native was a staple in Boston's lineup, helping the franchise capture two World Series titles in 2007 and 2013. In 2007, he was named Rookie of the Year. One year later, he was named American League MVP and won his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award.

In total, Pedroia ends his historic career with three World Series titles, four Gold Gloves, four All-Star appearances, one Silver Slugger award, one MVP award and a Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Pressure mounts on Nuggets as Nikola Jokic wins third MVP Award
Jalen Brunson shakes off injury to lift Knicks to Game 2 win
Panthers dominate Bruins to even series
LSU HC pins transfer portal struggles on reluctance to 'buy players'
Pirates announce date for 2023 No. 1 overall pick's MLB debut
Shohei Ohtani showing what would happen if he only focused on hitting
Joe Burrow shares 'support' for Bengals who requested trades
Canucks erase three-goal deficit to stun Oilers in Game 1
Watch: Pacers star ties playoff high in threes in one half
Former NFL player has major warning for Steelers QB Justin Fields: 'You can't fall into this'
Watch: Brad Marchand hurdle Panthers player on Charlie Coyle goal
LeBron James rues 'missed opportunities' against Nuggets
Cardinals star gives update on timeline for injury rehab
Police investigating Patrick Beverley incident
J.J. Watt addresses possibly ending retirement to play for Texans
Inter Miami's Lionel Messi could surpass two major MLS records
Reporter weighs in on potential Giants quarterback controversy
Cowboys to release veteran WR
Lakers want Anthony Davis' opinion in search for next head coach
Patriots exec explains why team drafted two QBs in 2024 NFL Draft

Want more Red Sox news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.