Former Major League pitcher Erik Swanson, who spent the bulk of his career with the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays, officially announced his retirement from professional baseball on Thursday, bringing an end to a seven-season MLB journey. Swanson, now 32 years old, stepped away from the sport after being released by the Blue Jays earlier this year, closing the book on a career marked by resilience, team-first mentality, and a consistent presence out of the bullpen.
Swanson’s MLB tenure stretched across parts of seven seasons, during which he carved out a role as a dependable right-handed reliever. He concluded his career with an 11–16 record, a 4.20 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and 281 strikeouts over 266 innings pitched. The numbers only tell part of the story, though; Swanson’s professionalism, steady temperament, and willingness to take on whatever role he was asked to fill earned him respect in every clubhouse he joined.
A Career Formed Across Several Organizations
Swanson’s baseball path began when the Texas Rangers selected him in the eighth round of the 2014 MLB Draft. Like many pitchers drafted outside the first few rounds, Swanson had to work relentlessly to climb the ladder of professional baseball. He spent years grinding through the minor leagues small towns, long bus rides, daily repetition but his commitment eventually made him part of several noteworthy trades.
In August 2016, Swanson’s career took an unexpected turn when the Rangers sent him to the New York Yankees. The move was part of a multi-player package that helped Texas land Carlos Beltran, the nine-time All-Star who was one of the most coveted hitters available at that year’s trade deadline. For young players like Swanson, being traded for such a prominent veteran was a sign that teams saw value in his arm and potential in his development.
Two years later, in November 2018, the Yankees moved Swanson again, this time to the Seattle Mariners. That trade ended up altering the trajectory of his career. Seattle provided Swanson with the environment and opportunity to reach the major leagues, and in 2019, he finally made his MLB debut. For any professional ballplayer, stepping onto a big-league mound for the first time is an unforgettable moment, and Swanson would go on to spend the next four seasons in a Mariners uniform.
Building a Career in Seattle
During his time with the Mariners from 2019 to 2022, Swanson evolved into a valuable bullpen option. He navigated the challenges that come with establishing oneself at the highest level inconsistent opportunities, occasional injuries, and the constant pressure of competing for innings with other relievers. By 2022, however, he had developed into one of Seattle’s more trusted arms, contributing meaningfully during a period when the franchise was moving back into postseason contention.
His success with the Mariners earned him recognition as a reliable, strike-throwing reliever capable of handling leverage situations. That performance eventually led to his next major opportunity a trade to Toronto that positioned him on a contending team in the American League.
Time With the Blue Jays
Swanson joined the Toronto Blue Jays prior to the 2023 season and spent two-plus years with the club. He pitched in a variety of roles during his time in Toronto, often taking on middle-innings responsibility or handling matchups suited to his strengths. Early in his stint with the Blue Jays, he produced strong results and appeared to be on track for another solid stretch in the bullpen.
However, his final season with the team proved difficult. Swanson dealt with inconsistency and injuries, and by June 2025, the Blue Jays ultimately released him. Shortly after that, Swanson stepped away from playing altogether, using social media to share a thoughtful and emotional retirement message that highlighted the gratitude he feels toward everyone who supported him.
A Retirement Message Filled With Appreciation
Swanson announced his retirement through an Instagram post in which he described the complicated emotions that come with ending a career he had spent his whole life chasing. He shared that he had attempted to write the message many times, but one word kept rising to the surface: “grateful.”
In his own words, Swanson wrote, “As I sit here trying to figure out where to even begin, typing this for what feels like the 100th time… The one word I keep coming back to is GRATEFUL!” That sentiment formed the heart of his farewell.
He went on to specifically thank the numerous people who shaped his journey, from his family and agents to his teammates, coaches, medical staff, and clubhouse personnel. Many of these individuals operate behind the scenes, but Swanson credited them with making professional life easier not only for him, but for his family as well. The acknowledgment reflected his awareness that success in baseball is rarely an individual accomplishment it is the product of countless hands guiding, helping, and encouraging along the way.
Swanson also reflected on how baseball expanded his world, taking him places he never expected to go and allowing him to form lifelong friendships in multiple cities. He spoke fondly of relationships developed in Toronto, Winnipeg, Seattle, and even smaller stops such as Hickory, North Carolina, where he spent time early in his minor league career. He emphasized how incredible it is that a sport “a simple game,” as he put it could introduce him to so many people who became like family.
In another touching portion of his post, Swanson wrote, “This game took me to places I don’t think I could have ever guessed I’d be. It gave me cities to call home and people to call family.” Those lines illustrated his deep appreciation not just for the baseball journey, but for the personal and emotional experiences that accompanied it.
He concluded his message by expressing sincere thanks to everyone who helped him reach and remain in the big leagues: “My time in this game was nothing short of amazing. Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way and to all those who supported me.”
A Career Defined by Perseverance
While Swanson’s name may not have been the most headline-grabbing during his career, his story resonates with many fans because it reflects the reality of the majority of professional athletes. Most players aren’t stars. Most don’t sign massive free-agent contracts or spend a decade as household names. Instead, they grind. They bounce between organizations, rise through the minors, fight for opportunities, withstand setbacks, and keep showing up.
Swanson did all of those things.
He came into pro ball as an eighth-round pick, without the pedigree of a blue-chip prospect. He was traded multiple times, shifting organizations and expectations with each move. He had to prove himself repeatedly, transitioning from starter to reliever and eventually carving out a niche in a bullpen role that would define his success.
Along the way, he handled the uncertainty that every journeyman pitcher faces roster decisions, minor league assignments, competition for innings, and the always-present risk of injury. His ability to adapt, stay resilient, and continue delivering quality innings when called upon is what allowed him to spend seven years at the sport’s highest level.
The Impact Beyond the Numbers
Swanson’s statistical résumé tells one part of his story, but his influence in Seattle and Toronto extended beyond the mound. Teammates often praised his attitude, his preparedness, and his commitment to the game. He was known as a player who showed up ready, did his job, and supported the team through the ups and downs of a long season.
His 1.14 career WHIP highlights his command and efficiency, traits that made him particularly valuable to managers who trusted him to avoid free passes and attack the strike zone. And while relievers often experience volatility from season to season, Swanson built a career that outlasted many players with far higher draft pedigrees or more immediate early-career success.
Closing the Book on a Meaningful Journey
Erik Swanson now steps away from baseball with a clear sense of gratitude and fulfillment. His retirement message made it evident that he sees his career not just in terms of innings pitched or games won, but in the memories made, the friendships forged, and the personal growth the sport helped him achieve.
For seven MLB seasons, Swanson lived out the dream of reaching and staying in the majors. His journey spanned four organizations, several cities, and countless teammates, coaches, and mentors. Though he won’t be taking the mound anymore, he leaves behind a legacy rooted in professionalism, perseverance, and heartfelt appreciation.
And for the fans who watched him pitch whether in Seattle, Toronto, or any of the many stops that shaped his baseball life his career will be remembered as an example of how far hard work and gratitude can carry someone in the world of sports.
