World Series Champion Left-Hander Announces Retirement From MLB
A World Series-winning pitcher is walking away from the game. On Sunday, 34-year-old left-hander Andrew Heaney announced his retirement on social media.
“I played with many of the greatest players of this generation and potentially some of the best players to ever wear a uniform,” part of Heaney’s message read.
“I’m humbled that I was even able to share the field with them. I was never an All-Star and definitely not a Hall of Famer, so I can only hope that I was great to each fan, player, coach, and staff member I got to be around. I’m so thankful for all of the people involved in making my career more successful than I ever dreamed. I will miss the game greatly, but all of my experiences and the lasting relationships have made me a better person. The routine of showing up to the yard every day and working to improve each time out has been a driving force for me the last 14 seasons.”
Heaney emerged as a promising left-handed pitcher after starring at Oklahoma State University. Drafted ninth overall by the Miami Marlins in 2012, he debuted in MLB on June 19, 2014, but struggled with a 5.83 ERA in seven outings before a trade to the Los Angeles Angels that December.
During his Angels tenure from 2015 to 2021, Heaney battled injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2016 that sidelined him extensively. He rebounded in 2018 with a 4.15 ERA and 180 strikeouts. Mid-2021, he was traded to the New York Yankees, where he faltered and entered free agency.
Heaney signed with the Dodgers for 2022, posting a solid 3.10 ERA. Joining the Texas Rangers in 2023, he helped secure their World Series title, earning a Game 4 win in the Fall Classic while tying an AL record with nine consecutive strikeouts earlier that year. In 2024, he went 5-14 for Texas.
For 2025, Heaney inked a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but a 5-10 record and 4.99 ERA led to his release in late August. He returned briefly to the Dodgers on a minor league contract, making one MLB appearance in September. Heaney walks away from the game with a 56-72 record, 4.57 ERA, and 1,156 strikeouts … and most importantly, a World Series ring.