Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Former Phillies Shortstop Announces Retirement Via Thankful Post

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 2:45 PM ET

A former Phillies infielder who spent ten years in the big leagues and nearly as long in other levels of professional baseball is hanging up his cleats for good.

Freddy Galvis took to social media this Fourth of July to announce that he is choosing to retire from the sport.

"What was once a dream has come true, and now it ends," Galvis wrote in Spanish on Instagram. "After 19 years in professional baseball, my baseball career comes to an end. Thanks to all my family and friends who always supported me during all these years. Thanks to all the coaches who helped me since I was a child to achieve my dream. Thank you to the different organizations that gave me the opportunity to represent their shirts."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Freddy galvis (@freddygalvis13)

Galvis was signed out of Venezuela at just 16-years old by the Phillies, and he went on to play part of seven seasons with the club over two separate tenure.

Freddy debuted at second base on April 5th, 2012, filling in for the injured Chase Utley. Following Utley's return, Galvis would spend most of his career at shortstop.

Galvis remained with the Phillies through 2017, taking over at shortstop once Jimmy Rollins was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Galvis dealt with some offensive struggles before that point, but his dazzling defense at multiple infield spots meant he earned enough chances to make one count.

In 2016, Galvis had his breakout year at the plate, with 20 home runs, 26 doubles, and 67 RBI while playing all 162 games. After repeating the feat of not missing a game the next year, he was traded to the San Diego Padres.

After stints with Toronto, Cincinnati, and Baltimore, he found himself back with Philly at the 2021 trade deadline. Those 32 games would be his last bunch in the majors, as he then spent two years in Japan and one in Mexico before calling it quits.

Overall, Galvis finished with a slash line of 246/.292/.387, 109 home runs, 426 RBI, and 436 runs scored.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: