Casey Sadler Announces Retirement from Baseball

Right-handed pitcher Casey Sadler has announced his retirement from baseball. Sadler shared the news on X (formerly Twitter) and expressed gratitude to a multitude of supporters, including fans, young players, his family, coaches, and his agent.

Career Beginnings
Sadler, 34, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 25th round of the 2010 draft out of Western Oklahoma State College. He began his professional career primarily as a starter and gradually climbed the minor league ranks. He received brief major league opportunities in 2014 and 2015. Unfortunately, his career was interrupted by Tommy John surgery in October 2015, causing him to miss the entire 2016 season.

Return to the Mound
Sadler resumed pitching in 2017 and 2018, mostly in relief roles in the minors, with only two major league appearances in 2018. Following the 2018 season, Sadler became a free agent and signed a minor league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2019. His performance improved significantly that year, posting a 1.86 ERA in 19 1/3 innings with the Rays before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in July. With the Dodgers, he maintained a 2.33 ERA in 27 innings, finishing the season with a combined 2.14 ERA over 46 1/3 innings.

Consistency and Control
Throughout his career, Sadler demonstrated strong control, maintaining a 16% strikeout rate, a 6.7% walk rate, and inducing ground balls on 51.8% of balls in play. His breakout year in 2019 highlighted his ability to limit walks and keep hitters off balance.

​Sadler's journey from an undrafted free agent to a reliable reliever in the majors is a testament to his perseverance and dedication. As he steps away from the game, his impact and contributions will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.