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Former Cardinals Star First Baseman Retires After 10-Year Career

Former St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Adams announced his retirement from professional baseball via social media. He signed a one-day contract to officially hang up his cleats with the team that launched his career.
The 36-year-old veteran expressed gratitude to teammates, coaches, fans, and family, reflecting on a storied 12-year journey that included two World Series appearances. Adams rose through the Cardinals’ farm system, becoming a crucial component of their 2013 National League Championship team. Adams’ impressive career was capped off by a 2019 World Series title with the Washington Nationals.
The slugger’s enduring connection to the Cardinals organization will be celebrated in an upcoming pre-game ceremony against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Matt Adams Announces Retirement

Known as “Big City,” left an indelible mark on the St. Louis Cardinals during his six-year tenure from 2012-2017. Drafted in 2009, Adams broke into the majors three seasons later, quickly becoming a mainstay in the Cardinals’ lineup. He became a fixture in the Cardinals lineup in 2013, hitting .284/.335/.503 with 17 home runs, 51 RBI and an 80:20 K:BB rate. Adams earned a special place in the hearts of Cardinals fans with his clutch hitting, none more memorable than his go-ahead home run off Clayton Kershaw in Game 4 of the 2014 National League Division Series. His heroics came despite struggling against left-handed pitchers that season (.190/.231/.298 in 130 plate appearances).

After the Cardinals put Matt Carpenter at first base for the 2017 season, Adams lost at-bats and playing time. However, an injury to Freddie Freeman opened the door for the Cardinals to trade Adams to the Atlanta Braves for Juan Yepez. Adams managed to hit his way into the Braves lineup, eventually moving Freeman at third base to keep both left-handers in the lineup.

Two Free Agent Stints

Adams hit free agency that offseason and signed with the Nationals on a one-year deal. He once again hit well as Washington’s first baseman, hitting .257/.332/.510 with 18 home runs. Adams tenure was short lived, hitting the waiver wire in late August, where the Cardinals claimed him. His return to St. Louis was dismal as he hit .158/.200/.333 in 27 games, becoming a free agent at the end of the season. He re-signed with the Nationals, providing a left-handed power bat off the bench.

That season was the last time where Adams had semi-regular playing time in the majors. He returned to Atlanta in 2020 then had a brief stint with the Colorado Rockies in 2021. Adams spent the past two years playing in minor league organizations.

Adams will now close his chapter on a career that saw him hit .258/.306/.463 with 118 home runs, 399 RBI and 624 hits in 2,614 plate appearances.

Main Photo: © Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Matt Graves, Site Manager

Matt Graves, Site Manager

Matt Graves is an experienced baseball writer, and co-manager of LWOS Baseball. He is a graduate of the Radio Broadcasting program at Fanshawe College who has worked as a writer in radio, journalism, and digital media.

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