8 MLB Vets Who May Be Playing Their Last Season in 2014
In 2013, we saw the final game of the greatest closer in baseball history. In 2014, there is no doubt that many other great players will see their final action on the major league diamond.
Some of them will end their careers a bit earlier than they would have preferred, but injuries and advancing age don’t care about emotion.
Here are eight players who I believe will be beginning their final campaigns when baseball gets back to business in spring training.
Derek Jeter
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Derek Jeter is going to turn 40 during the 2014 season. I, for one, hope that he is able to overcome the injuries that plagued him last season.
He only appeared in 17 games in his first injury-ridden campaign of his career. The reason that his injuries stood out was because he had been so durable. If that durability is beginning to crack, he might be approaching the end of a highly successful career that could land him in the Hall of Fame.
Michael Young
2 of 8
Michael Young was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers last season and had to deal with becoming a part-time player. Depending on where he signs this winter, he could end up in that position again.
If he doesn’t end up as a starter, it would not surprise me if 2014 will be his final season. As a seven-time All-Star, Young would find it frustrating to not being able to play much—a realistic possibility for him next season.
Jason Bay
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Jason Bay got off to a hot start as the NL Rookie of the Year with the Pirates back in 2004. After 2009, however, he has had a hard time of staying on the field. Over the past four seasons, his single-season high for games played was 123 in 2011 with the Mets.
His numbers have also fallen off considerably and he has had a hard time keeping his average above the Mendoza Line. He will be 35 this season, but I think he will give it one more shot. If that doesn’t work out, expect him to retire.
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Paul Konerko
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Unlike some of the previous players mentioned, Paul Konerko played the better part of the 2013 season, although he was mostly ineffective. Konerko was only able to produce 12 home runs and 54 RBI, but as a corner infielder or designated hitter next season, he will really be expected to do more than that.
It is possible that he may retire before 2014, but part of me feels that there will be some team willing to give Konerko one more shot to get back to where he once was since 2013 was his first subpar season.
Roy Halladay
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Roy Halladay suffered a drop-off in 2013, as his velocity fell off and he couldn’t stay healthy.
There will be plenty of interest in the right-hander, who will turn 37 next May, but he needs to prove that last season was a fluke. He is a very intelligent pitcher and Halladay hasn’t lost that. However, he needs his arm to hold up and cooperate as well.
Raul Ibanez
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Raul Ibanez just keeps on going, but he will have to slow down eventually. He turns 42 next June and is getting to the point where one bad season could easily spell an end to his career.
While I hope that he continues his good—and unappreciated—career for a long time, you have to wonder how long he can keep his success going, as he was one of the oldest active players in baseball this past season.
Jason Giambi
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Jason Giambi has had a career plagued by controversy, but has continually found a home because of his powerful bat. Last season, he hit .183 with only nine home runs. Still, he might be able to find a home in 2014 because of his leadership abilities despite his anemic stat line.
Giambi could very well retire before the season starts because of his lack of production last season, but he may try to take one last shot. I think that he could make some roster as a left-handed, power-hitting pinch-hitter, but he might decide to just throw in the towel instead.
Bartolo Colon
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Bartolo Colon had an amazing 2013 at 18-6 for Oakland with a 2.65 ERA that was second in the American League. He will be in line for a very nice contract next season, even though he will turn 41 in May.
The only reason I would even suggest that he might retire is because of his age. I think he will be effective next season, but—as evidenced by Mariano Rivera—there are players who like to go out when they are on top. Perhaps Colon is one of them.
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