Andrew Heaney Announces Retirement After 12 MLB Seasons

Andrew Heaney, a pitcher with a notable career including two World Series championships, shared on social media Sunday that he is retiring from Major League Baseball after spending 12 seasons in the league. He previously joined the Yankees in a trade effort during the 2021 deadline but wasn’t able to make a significant impact.

In his announcement, Heaney expressed gratitude for the unique experiences he has had in baseball. “Many don’t get to travel, meet new people from different walks of life, and do what they love,” he mentioned in an Instagram post. He reflected on his career, saying, “I wasn’t an All-Star or a Hall of Famer, but I hope I made a positive impact on everyone I encountered, from fans to teammates.” He added that despite not being a standout player, he felt privileged to have shared the field with legends of the game.

Heaney conveyed his appreciation to all who contributed to his career, saying he was grateful for its success beyond his expectations. Although he will miss playing, the experiences and friendships he gained throughout the years have significantly shaped him. “The daily grind of striving for improvement has been a defining part of my 14 seasons,” he reflected.

Heaney started his professional journey with the Miami Marlins, who picked him in the first round of the 2012 draft. He made his debut in 2014 but faced challenges, including his release from the Marlins which ultimately led to him playing for the Dodgers and then the Angels. He started 11 games for Los Angeles with a 4.51 ERA and was traded to the Yankees, but he struggled there, only making five starts with a 6.23 ERA.

However, Heaney found a second chance with the Dodgers in the following season and later played for the Rangers, where he turned things around. In 2023, he notably won Game 4 of the World Series and started a total of 31 games in 2024, hitting milestones like starting over 30 games for the first time since 2018.

Reflecting on his journey, Heaney mentioned the ups and downs he experienced: “I’ve played for several teams, but I’ve never had an opportunity like this,” he noted after his significant win in the World Series. Despite a challenging previous season with the Pirates, which saw him post a 5.39 ERA, Heaney signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers again but only appeared in one MLB game before the postseason.

In closing, Heaney expressed that he is now shifting his focus toward family and community involvement. “Although I’m stepping away from baseball, I want to give back even more than I’ve received. Thank you to everyone for your unwavering support,” he wrote in his post.