Erik Swanson Retires, Ending a Memorable MLB Journey
Major League Baseball bids farewell to pitcher Erik Swanson, as the former Toronto Blue Jays reliever has officially announced his retirement. Swanson, a native of Fargo, North Dakota, spent seven seasons in the majors, leaving behind a career full of memorable moments, friendships, and challenges.
Swanson reflected on his journey in a heartfelt post, sharing how the game of baseball took him to cities he never imagined calling home and introduced him to people who would become lifelong friends. “This game took me to places I don’t think I could have ever guessed I’d be,” he wrote. From Toronto and Winnipeg to Seattle and even small towns like Hickory, North Carolina, Swanson highlighted the incredible relationships that baseball allowed him to build. He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported him over a 12-year journey that began in the minor leagues and ended with a career he described as “nothing short of amazing.”
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Drafted in the eighth round of the 2014 MLB Amateur Draft by the Texas Rangers, Swanson made his major league debut with the Seattle Mariners in 2019. After four seasons in Seattle, he was traded to the Blue Jays before the 2023 season in a deal that sent outfielder Teoscar Hernandez to the Mariners. Swanson’s early years in Toronto showed promise, particularly in 2023, when he posted an impressive 2.97 ERA over more than 66 innings.
However, the past two seasons proved challenging. In 2024, his ERA climbed to 5.03, and in the recently concluded season, Swanson faced significant struggles. He battled a nerve issue in his throwing arm that caused him to miss the first two months of the season, and when he returned, his fastball velocity had dropped slightly. Over just over five innings pitched, he allowed nine runs, five walks, and struck out three, resulting in a 15.19 ERA. The Blue Jays released him after he cleared waivers, signaling the end of his time on the field.
Despite the possibility of signing a minor league deal and attempting a comeback, Swanson opted to step away from professional baseball. His final statistics include an 11-16 record, 246 appearances, a 4.20 ERA, and a 1.143 WHIP. While his playing days have concluded, there remains a possibility that Swanson could return to the Blue Jays organization in a coaching or front-office role in the future.
For now, Erik Swanson closes the chapter on a career marked by resilience, memorable moments, and enduring friendships. Baseball fans across the league will remember him not just for his performance on the mound but for the passion and gratitude he displayed throughout his journey. His retirement marks the end of an era, and the start of a new adventure beyond the diamond.
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