Former MLB Second Baseman Kolten Wong Announces Retirement

Kolten Wong, a veteran infielder known for his defensive prowess and two-time Gold Glove winner, has officially retired from Major League Baseball after an 11-season career. A first-round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011, Wong played eight seasons with the Cardinals, followed by stints with the Milwaukee Brewers, Seattle Mariners, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He announced his retirement during a ceremonial first pitch at his alma mater, the University of Hawaii, expressing a desire to focus on fatherhood and family life rather than continuing to chase the evolving game. Wong finished his career with a .256 batting average, 86 home runs, and 120 stolen bases, with his best season coming in 2019 when he posted a .285 average and earned a Gold Glove. After being designated for assignment by Seattle in 2023 and finishing that season with the Dodgers, Wong briefly joined the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks organizations before his release in 2024. His retirement marks the end of a respected career characterized by solid offensive contributions and standout defense at second base.