Report: Josh Willingham '100 percent retiring' at season's end

Kansas City Royals leftfielder Josh Willingham has reportedly told people close to him he is going to "100 percent retire" at the end of the season.

Kansas City Royals leftfielder Josh Willingham has told people close to him he is going to "100 percent retire" at the end of the season, reports Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Willingham has played in the majors for nine full seasons. He spent the first part of his career with the Marlins and has also played with the Nationals, Athletics, Twins and Royals. 

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The 35-year-old is in the final year of a three-year, $21 million contract he signed with Minnesota in 2011. Willingham was traded to the Royals in August. 

If the Royals -- who are three games ahead in the Wild Card race -- make the playoffs, it would be the first postseason trip in Willingham's career.

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Willingham won a Silver Slugger Award in 2012, when he hit 35 home runs and had 110 RBI. His career totals currently stand at a .253 average, 195 home runs, 632 RBI and a .359 OBP.

- Molly Geary