Veteran pitcher Mike Mayers has officially retired from Major League Baseball after an eight-year career that saw him pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, and Kansas City Royals.
The 33-year-old right-hander made the announcement on LinkedIn, looking back on his time in the sport.
“After 12 amazing years in pro baseball, including parts of eight seasons in the majors with the Cardinals, Angels, and Royals, I’ve decided to hang up the cleats,” he wrote.
Early Career and MLB Debut
Mayers began his professional career after being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the third round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He made his big league debut with the Cardinals in 2016 and gradually carved out a role as a dependable bullpen arm.
In November 2019, the Los Angeles Angels claimed Mayers off waivers. He became a key piece of their bullpen during the shortened 2020 season, leading the team in appearances and posting a 2.10 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 30 innings. He followed that with a career-high 72 games in 2021, finishing with a 3.84 ERA and 90 strikeouts across 75 innings.
The 2022 season brought new challenges, including a move to the starting rotation at Triple-A Salt Lake, where he posted a 6.27 ERA over eight starts. After being designated for assignment twice that year, Mayers chose to enter free agency in October.
He signed with the Kansas City Royals and pitched in six games before being traded to the Chicago White Sox in July 2023. In 2024, he joined the Toronto Blue Jays’ Triple-A team, the Buffalo Bisons, where he logged a 6.10 ERA in 31 appearances.
Notable Honors Along the Way
Beyond his contributions on the mound, Mike Mayers earned several accolades during his professional baseball career. In 2016, while pitching for the Double-A Springfield Cardinals, he was named a Texas League Mid-Season All-Star, a testament to his strong performance in the minors.
Years later, in September 2020, Mayers was recognized at the Major League level, earning American League Reliever of the Month honors with the Los Angeles Angels for his outstanding work out of the bullpen during that stretch.
Retirement Announcement
Looking back on his baseball journey, Mike Mayers shared heartfelt appreciation for the experiences and connections he made along the way.
“Baseball has given me more than I ever dreamed of,” he wrote. “From little league to Ole Miss and into pro ball, I’ve built lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and had the privilege of competing at the highest level.”
He extended his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career. “I’m incredibly thankful to every teammate, coach, and staff member who helped shape my path. And to the fans—thank you for showing up, cheering loud, and making this game so special.”
Mayers also expressed deep thanks to his wife:
“You’ve been my anchor through the highs and lows. You stood by me as my rock. Your strength, belief in me, and love made this entire journey possible.”
Finally, he acknowledged his family’s unwavering support:
“You were there from the beginning and never stopped believing in me. I’ll never be able to fully repay that kind of support.”
Mayers wraps up his Major League career with a record of 12–11 and a 5.21 ERA across eight seasons.
