Former All-Star Veteran Backstop Retires

After a 12-year major league career spent mostly in the Houston Astros organization, including an All-Star appearance in 2013, 35-year-old catcher Jason Castro has announced his retirement.

Today, I officially announce my retirement from Major League Baseball. Over the last 15 years of pro ball, I have been blessed with many incredible opportunities and have met so many people along the way that helped me achieve more than I could have ever imagined.

— Jason Castro (@J_Castro15) December 2, 2022

Castro himself tweeted out his news: "Today, I officially announce my retirement from Major League Baseball. Over the last 15 years of pro ball, I have been blessed with many incredible opportunities and have met so many people along the way that helped me achieve more than I could have ever imagined."

And although he played very sparingly this past season, he certainly went out with a bang:

Jason Castro's last at-bat of his career was a go-ahead two run homer vs the Mets pic.twitter.com/zzL5OU8K6o

— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) December 2, 2022

Castro hit his one and only home run of the season in his final career at-bat. Well done.  

He spent eight years with the Astros, another three seasons with the Minnesota Twins, and short stints in 2020 with the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres. 

Castro had a lifetime average of .227 with a .699 OPS. His third season in the league was the apex of his career, as he hit .276 with an .835 OPS, along with 18 HR and 56 RBIs, earning him an All-Star selection. 

Congrats to Jason Castro on a very nice career.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports