All-Star Alex Wood Retires After 12 MLB Seasons

On Friday, veteran left-hander and 2017 All-Star Alex Wood brought down the curtain on a remarkable 12-year Major League Baseball career. Known for his unorthodox delivery and fierce competitiveness, Wood leaves behind a legacy that stretches from promising college star to World Series champion.

He announced his retirement on Instagram, calling the game his “first love” and expressing deep gratitude for everything baseball gave him.

From Georgia Standout to MLB Mainstay

The Atlanta Braves picked Alex Wood in the second round of the 2012 MLB Draft after a standout run at the University of Georgia. Tall and lanky, with a deceptive motion, he quickly made an impression in the big leagues.

The Early Years with Atlanta

Wood debuted for the Braves in 2013. He wasted no time showing he could get big league hitters out.

His mix of movement, velocity, and aggression on the mound earned him a regular spot in the rotation. In just a few seasons, he became one of the most dependable young pitchers in the National League.

Two Stints with the Dodgers and a Career-Defining Season

Wood’s career took a sharp turn when he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015. He’d return for a second stint later, but that first run in Dodger blue set up his most memorable moments.

The Peak of 2017

In 2017, Wood put together his best regular season, going 16-3 with a 2.72 ERA. That earned him his first and only All-Star nod.

His dominance that year helped the Dodgers roll into the postseason, fueling their World Series run.

Championship Glory and Big Game Performances

Injuries sometimes threw off his rhythm, but Wood built a reputation for stepping up in October. The 2020 World Series really showed that off.

A Key Role in the 2020 Title Run

Pitching in relief, Wood delivered four scoreless innings across the series. He got some crucial outs in Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Rays.

His steady presence helped the Dodgers finally break through, locking up their first championship since 1988. That moment etched his name into franchise history.

The Later Years: Giants and Athletics

After the Dodgers’ title, Wood signed with the San Francisco Giants. He kept grinding as a starter, always fighting to recapture his best form.

Even in his later years, he gave his teams competitive outings. In 2023, Wood joined the Oakland Athletics for his final MLB season, going 1-3 with a 5.26 ERA in nine starts.

A Career by the Numbers

Across 278 games — including 214 starts — Alex Wood put up a 77-68 win–loss record and a 3.78 ERA. He reached the postseason seven times, which says a lot about his skill and his knack for landing with good ball clubs.

Legacy and Retirement

In his retirement announcement, Wood thanked his teammates, coaches, and fans. He signed off with, “Cheers to what’s next. See you at the park!”

Looks like his connection to baseball isn’t going anywhere, even if his days on the mound are done.

Impact Beyond the Numbers

Forget just stats and championships for a second. Alex Wood brought a kind of grit and adaptability you don’t see every day—maybe that’s what kept him around the majors for over a decade.

He started as a Georgia Bulldog. Then he became a postseason performer and, eventually, a World Series champ.

Young pitchers probably look at his journey and think, “Yeah, that’s the blueprint.”

Career Highlights:

• 2017 All-Star selection with the Los Angeles Dodgers
• 16-3 record and 2.72 ERA in breakout 2017 season
• World Series champion in 2020 with four scoreless innings pitched
• Career totals: 77-68 record, 3.78 ERA, 278 games played
• Postseason appearances in seven different seasons

Fans who followed him over the years remember those high leg kicks and tricky arm angles. That competitive fire? Yeah, it sticks with you.

—

Do you want me to also create an **SEO-friendly meta description** for this blog post so it performs better in search rankings? That could help boost traffic.
 
Here is the source article for this story: All-Star pitcher Wood retires after 12 seasons