Former Angels Reliever Announces Retirement From MLB

He played in 15 seasons in MLB.

Veteran reliever Joe Smith announced his retirement from baseball after spending parts of 15 seasons in Major League Baseball.

Smith appeared in 866 games as a member of the New York Mets, Cleveland Guardians, Los Angeles Angels, Chicago Cubs, Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros, Seattle Mariners, and Minnesota Twins.

"With deep humility and gratitude, I am officially announcing my retirement from Major League Baseball after 16 remarkable years. I cherished the experience of sharing the great field with great teammates across eight franchises, backed by the most loyal fans. 

"To Erwin Bryant and the Mets organization, your belief in me launched my journey in 2006. I am forever grateful for your giving a sidewinding kid from Cincinnati a chance...."

16 incredible seasons on and off the field.

Congratulations, @JSThree8!! #exceling pic.twitter.com/hWN9uG87JO

— excel baseball (@excel_baseball) January 31, 2024

His wife, Allie LaForce, posted on her social media to honor her husband's announcement.

"I love you Joe Smith. I am incredibly humbled to have witnessed your dedication to, and success in this game. I will cherish each day with you in this next chapter. What you accomplished was hard. Hold your head high, knowing you did it with great success, loyalty, kindness to your teammates and staff, and love to your family. Hats off baby."

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Smith was with the Angels from 2014-16, and had a 2.89 ERA in 177.2 innings pitched. He was traded at the 2016 trade deadline to the Chicago Cubs for right-handed pitcher Jesus Castillo.

Smith did not pitch anywhere in 2023 and finished his career with a record of 55-34 and a 3.14 ERA in more than 760 innings pitched.