Incheon: After 16 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) and four more in South Korea, former MLB All-Star Choo Shin-soo, 42, officially announced his retirement from professional baseball on Thursday. The retirement press conference was held in Incheon, the home city of his final professional team, the SSG Landers of the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).According to Yonhap News Agency, Choo had previously announced his intention to retire after the 2024 season back in December 2023. During his time with the Landers from 2021 to 2024, he won a Korean Series title in 2022 and became the oldest position player in KBO history in July of this year. At the press conference, Choo, with his right arm in a sling from recent shoulder surgery, expressed his gratitude for his time in Korea and the memories he made.Choo's illustrious career began when he signed with the Seattle Mariners out of high school in 2000. He debuted in the MLB in 2005 and later played for the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians), Cincinnati Re ds, and Texas Rangers. His career highlights include becoming the first Asian-born player to achieve a 20-20 season in MLB history while playing for Cleveland in 2009 and earning his sole All-Star recognition in 2018 with the Rangers.Throughout his MLB career, Choo accumulated 218 home runs, a record for an Asian-born player until surpassed by Shohei Ohtani in September. In the KBO, Choo continued to make a significant impact, joining the 20-20 club and leading the Landers to a championship.Despite his successful career, Choo was hampered by injuries in recent years, playing only 78 of the Landers' 144 games this year. He concluded his KBO career with a batting line of .263/.388/.424, 54 home runs, and 205 RBIs.Choo expressed his desire to be remembered for his love and dedication to the game. He served as the Landers' captain in 2024, donating his entire salary to charity, and has contributed over 1.4 billion won to charitable causes throughout his career.Reflecting on his decision to retire, Choo ad mitted that injuries had diminished his desire to continue playing. He emphasized his wish to allow other players their opportunity on the field and expressed contentment with his career.As he looks towards life after baseball, Choo has yet to decide on his future endeavors, though he has received job offers. He remains uncertain about stepping into a managerial role, preferring to take time off to consider his options.Choo is eager to spend more time with his family, particularly his sons, who are playing baseball in the United States. He is enjoying a "stress-free" winter, relieved of the pressures of preparing for a new season.As he departs from professional baseball, Choo praised the talent in the KBO and encouraged aspiring players. He remarked on the potential of KBO players to succeed in the MLB and advised current players to remain motivated and young players to strive for excellence.In his farewell message, Choo urged talented KBO players to remember the competitive nature of the sport and th e importance of continuous improvement for the advancement of South Korean baseball.
- October 12, 2026
