Mike Moustakas is set to retire as a Kansas City Royal after 13 seasons in Major League Baseball. The Royals announced on Monday that the veteran infielder will sign a one-day contract with the team on May 31, allowing him to officially retire with the franchise where his career began. A special ceremony will be held before the Royals‘ home game against the Detroit Tigers that day.
Moustakas, 36, played a pivotal role in Kansas City’s success during the mid-2010s, helping the team secure its first World Series title since 1985. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 MLB Draft, he made his debut with the Royals in 2011 and quickly became a fan favorite.
A key player in Royals history
During the Royals‘ championship season in 2015, Moustakas was a force at the plate, hitting .284 with 22 home runs and 82 RBIs across 147 games. He continued his clutch performances in the postseason, driving in eight runs to help Kansas City capture the title.
A powerful hitter across multiple teams
Moustakas finished his career with a .247 batting average, 215 home runs, and 683 RBIs in 1,427 games. While he spent most of his career with the Royals, he also played for the Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, and Los Angeles Angels.
In 2017, Moustakas set a personal record with 38 home runs for Kansas City. The following season, he delivered a career-high 95 RBIs while splitting time between the Royals and the Brewers.
His final MLB appearance came on September 30, 2023, as a member of the Angels.
Honoring a franchise legend
As the Royals prepare to celebrate Moustakas‘ contributions, fans will have the opportunity to see one of the team’s all-time greats take the field one last time. His impact on the franchise, particularly during their championship run, cements his legacy as one of Kansas City’s most beloved players.
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