Braves Reliever with 3.10 ERA Retires After 12 MLB Seasons

Veteran left-handed pitcher Alex Wood, famous for his quirky delivery and knack for getting outs, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.

Over 12 seasons, Wood grew from a promising Atlanta Braves rookie into a dependable starter and a key piece on playoff teams, even winning a World Series.

He traveled through five franchises, showing adaptability, resilience, and a pitching style that always stood out in the modern game.

Early Career and Rapid Rise with the Braves

The Atlanta Braves drafted Wood in the second round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of the University of Georgia.

He wasted no time—less than a year after signing, he debuted in the majors with a scoreless relief outing. That poise and effectiveness pretty much set the tone for his career.

Transition from Reliever to Starter

Wood started off in the league as a reliever, but he commanded the strike zone and kept hitters guessing. That earned him a rotation spot.

During his early Atlanta years, he put up a 3.10 ERA, which ended up being his best mark with any team.

His 2014 season really stood out—he posted a 2.78 ERA and became one of the Braves’ most reliable arms.

Trade to the Dodgers and Peak Years

In 2015, the Los Angeles Dodgers traded for Wood. That move pretty much defined the high point of his career.

His time in L.A. had ups and downs, but in 2017, he made a huge impact and earned an All-Star selection thanks to a dominant first half.

World Series Champion in 2020

Maybe the highlight of Wood’s career came in the weird, pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

He joined a deep Dodgers pitching staff and delivered on baseball’s biggest stage, helping Los Angeles win its first World Series since 1988.

That championship really showed he could handle pressure when it mattered most.

Stints with Reds, Giants, and Athletics

After his Dodgers run, Wood pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, the San Francisco Giants, and the Oakland Athletics.

With the Giants, he played a big role in their surprise 107-win season in 2021, once again proving his value as a steady veteran in the rotation.

Final Season and Retirement Decision

Wood’s final MLB chapter came in 2024 with Oakland. He appeared in nine games and posted a 5.26 ERA.

He stayed unsigned throughout 2025 and decided to step away from pro baseball, closing the door on a career that spanned more than a decade.

Career by the Numbers

In 12 seasons, Alex Wood put up some solid stats with several teams:

• Career Record: 77-68
• ERA: 3.78
• Games Pitched: 278 (211 starts)
• All-Star Appearances: 1 (2017)
• World Series Championships: 1 (2020)

Legacy of an Unorthodox Ace

Alex Wood’s unique, almost herky-jerky delivery became his trademark, leaving hitters baffled and sparking curiosity from fans and analysts.

What looked unconventional, he turned into a long career built on consistency, adaptability, and clutch performances. Maybe it’s a stretch, but his story kind of proves that in baseball, success isn’t always about perfect mechanics—it’s about making what you’ve got work for you.

Impact on Future Generations

For young pitchers—especially those who don’t fit the prototypical mold—Wood’s career offers inspiration. He thrived despite standing outside traditional pitching norms.

That takes determination. It also takes a certain stubborn confidence in your own style and craft.

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