Longtime Cleveland Player, Michael Brantley Announces Retirement

Brantley's career started in 2005 when he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh round, 205th overall. He eventually found his way to Cleveland as the 'Player To Be Named Later' in the trade that sent All-Star pitcher CC Sabathia to the Brewers in 2008.

He debuted for Cleveland on September 1, 2009, and spent the next decade with the then-named Indians. Over his 10 years in Cleveland, Brantley had an impressive slash line of .295/.351/.430 with an OPS of .781.

Brantley never hit for power, but he was always one of the best contact hitters in the game. This is what earned him the nickname of Dr. Smooth during his time in Cleveland.

The Houston Astros were lucky enough to sign Brantley in free agency following the 2018 season. Dr. Smooth spent the last five seasons of his career in Houston helping them win a World Series in 2021.

Some of Brantley's other accolades include being a five-time All-Star and finishing third in the AL MVP voting in 2014.

Brantley's decision to retire came down to what the next chapter of his life holds. He told Jon Morosi of MLB.com “I have young kids, and now it’s time to be a dad, first and foremost. It’s time for me to be home 24/7, watch my kids grow up, and not miss important milestones."

You have to respect this decision from someone who gave their all to the game they loved. 

It may still take a couple of years, but Brantley is surely deserving of a spot in the Cleveland Baseball Hall Of Fame when the time is right.