Former Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Erik Swanson has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball (MLB), as revealed in an Instagram post on Thursday. The 32-year-old from Fargo, North Dakota, concludes his professional career having played in 246 games over seven seasons, representing both the Seattle Mariners and Blue Jays.
Erik Swanson’s MLB Journey
Swanson’s baseball journey began when he was selected in the eighth round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers. His career took a significant turn in 2016 when he was traded to the New York Yankees. In 2019, he made his MLB debut with the Seattle Mariners, participating in 27 games, including eight starts.
Career Highlights
2022 marked a pinnacle in Swanson’s career. He achieved a remarkable 1.68 ERA over 57 games for the Mariners. During this season, he recorded only 10 walks and struck out 70 batters across 53.2 innings pitched. Following the successful 2022 season, Swanson was traded to the Blue Jays in an off-season deal that involved Teoscar Hernandez moving to Seattle.
While with the Blue Jays, Swanson had a standout performance in 2023, posting a 2.97 ERA over 69 relief appearances. Despite his efforts, he was released in June. In total, he concludes his MLB career with a 4.20 ERA and 281 strikeouts across 266 innings of work.
Reflections on His Career
In his retirement announcement, Swanson expressed gratitude for the experiences baseball provided him. He noted the friendships formed in cities ranging from Toronto and Winnipeg to Seattle and Hickory, North Carolina. “This game took me to places I don’t think I could have ever guessed I’d be,” he shared, highlighting the profound impact of baseball on his life.
- Career Stats:
- Games Played: 246
- Seasons: 7
- Teams: Seattle Mariners, Toronto Blue Jays
- ERA: 4.20
- Strikeouts: 281
- Innings Pitched: 266
Erik Swanson’s legacy will be remembered for his contributions on the mound and the relationships built throughout his career in Major League Baseball.
