Phillies React to Major Retirement Announcement on Friday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated May 23, 2025 10:43 PM ET

The 2025 MLB season is just over one month away from the trade deadline. Around this time of year, teams begin identifying potential roster needs. While this always culminates in a lot of player movement between teams, it can also create opportunities for unsigned free agents looking for roster openings.

For left-handed relief pitcher Jake Diekman, it seems that opportunity never came this season. Released by the Atlanta Braves before opening day, Diekman did not make a big league appearance this season after pitching in 43 games for the New York Mets last year.

On Friday, Diekman announced his retirement in a lengthy post to social media.

"The time has come for me to retire as a Major League Baseball player," he began "Thank you, God, for this life and being able to live out my wildest dream. From being in kindergarten and writing down that I wanted to be a baseball player when I grow up, to not even having a high school baseball team and just playing legion in the summer."

His post has received over 75 comments, including one from the Philadelphia Phillies, the team he spent four seasons with to begin his career.

"Congrats on a great career, Jake! Best of luck in retirement," the team wrote.

Congrats on a great career, Jake! Best of luck in retirement ❤️
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 23, 2025

Diekman spent 13 seasons in MLB, appearing in 705 games. He retires with a 3.91 ERA and 764 strikeouts in 602.1 innings pitched. Pitching for nine different teams, Diekman made his impact felt across the league as a high-level left-handed reliever.

The 38-year-old was selected in the 30th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by Philadelphia.

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

More must-reads: