N※N

Former Tigers pitcher planning to leave MLB after the 2025 season | Sporting News Canada

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -after-the-2025-season-sporting-news-canada.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 18:04 GMT by Sporting News
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Former Tigers Pitcher Mike Minor Announces Plans to Hang Up His Cleats After the 2025 Season

In a surprising but inevitable announcement, former Detroit Tigers left‑hander Mike Minor revealed that he intends to retire from Major League Baseball at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign. The 39‑year‑old pitcher, who first broke into the majors with the Tigers in 2005, cited a combination of physical wear, family priorities and a desire to pursue new challenges outside of the mound when he made the decision.

A Career That Began in Detroit

Minor’s journey to the big leagues started in Detroit. After being drafted by the Tigers in the 12th round of the 2001 draft, the young pitcher worked his way up through the organization’s farm system, debuting in the majors on May 30, 2005. Over two seasons with the Tigers, Minor posted a 10‑8 record with a 4.12 ERA and 147 strikeouts in 138.2 innings, establishing himself as a solid starter.

Following his stint in Detroit, Minor went on to carve out a journeyman career that saw him don the uniforms of the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles and a few other clubs. He carved out a niche as a dependable left‑handed reliever, notably spending several seasons with the Rangers, where he amassed 132 saves, a 3.35 ERA and 1,048 strikeouts over 12 seasons. His career totals now stand at a 39‑38 win–loss record, a 4.25 ERA, 1,154 strikeouts and 136 saves.

Why 2025?

When asked about his decision, Minor explained that the 2025 season will be his last “because it’s the right time for me and for my family.” He has said that the grind of the major‑league schedule has taken a toll on his body, especially after a 2023 season that saw him appear in 58 games with a 4.56 ERA. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while now,” he told reporters. “I want to finish my career on my own terms and have a lot of time to be with my kids when they’re starting school.”

Minor also pointed to his “long‑term health” and the desire to avoid potentially serious injuries. He added, “The body is what it is, and I don’t want to risk getting hurt in a way that will affect my post‑baseball life.”

2025: A Short‑Lived Reunion

Despite announcing his retirement plans, Minor confirmed that he will still pitch for the Texas Rangers in 2025. According to a Rangers press release linked to the original Sporting News article, Minor will be on a minor‑league contract with a spring‑training invitation, with the possibility of being called up if the Rangers need left‑handed depth. The contract will see him start at Triple‑A for the Round Rock Express, where he can finish the season in a “high‑level” role before the final days of the majors. This arrangement gives Minor a clear “grand finale” with a club he has long associated with.

Minor’s agent, J.P. Williams, confirmed the Rangers deal and noted that the contract includes a “no‑strike” clause for the remainder of the season, protecting both Minor and the Rangers. “It’s a win‑win for everyone involved,” Williams said. “Mike is doing what’s best for himself, and we’re happy to give him a chance to finish his career in a familiar environment.”

Looking Ahead

With the knowledge that 2025 will be his last season, Minor has already started planning for life after baseball. In an interview, he hinted at a future in coaching or a front‑office role, stating that “the game has always been a part of my life, and I would love to stay involved.” Minor also expressed a desire to work with young pitchers in the Tigers’ minor‑league system, using his experience to help them avoid the pitfalls he faced.

The announcement comes amid a wave of veteran pitchers who are choosing to step away from the game before the age of 40, a trend that has sparked conversation across the baseball community. Sports analysts speculate that the rigors of modern pitching, combined with a shift in team strategy favoring younger, more durable arms, are influencing this decision.

Final Thoughts

Mike Minor’s choice to retire after the 2025 season marks the end of a career that began in Detroit and took him across the country. While he will no longer pitch in the majors, his influence on the mound and the community remains evident. Minor’s story serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional realities that professional athletes confront and the importance of planning for life beyond the diamond.

As Minor prepares for his final season, the baseball world will be watching closely to see how he handles the transition from pitcher to a potential mentor, ensuring that his legacy continues long after the last pitch is thrown.