San Diego Padres second baseman Ian Kinsler is retiring from baseball, he told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Kinsler will remain with the Padres in a front-office role and work out a financial settlement with the club, as he is still owed $4.25 million on his contract, according to Rosenthal.
The 37-year-old said a herniated cervical disk impacted his decision to end his career.
"To be honest, it was a factor in my decision," Kinsler said of the injury that kept him out since mid-August. "My pride wouldn't let me go halfway at something that I've been doing at 100% for my whole baseball life."
Kinsler played in 1,888 career games across 14 seasons while suiting up for the Padres, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, and Boston Red Sox - 1,066 of those contests were with the Rangers.
Congrats to Ian Kinsler on a wonderful playing career, including his eight years here in Texas.
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) December 20, 2019
Enjoy retirement, Kins! pic.twitter.com/GviInvakmN
He slashed .269/.337/.440 for his career to go along with 1,999 hits, 257 home runs, 416 doubles, and 243 stolen bases. Kinsler also won two Gold Gloves and was a member of the Red Sox when they won the 2018 World Series.
Ian Kinsler joins Hall of Famer and Boston Beaneaters legend Jimmy Collins (1895-1908) as the only players in history to finish precisely one hit shy of 2,000.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) December 20, 2019
