Although an MLB player could have a very successful career, at some point, everyone has to retire, however difficult it might be. Currently, there are some players for whom it has been speculated for some time that retirement is just around the corner.

Who Are the MLB Players Who Might Retire Next Year

Certainly, when an MLB player starts considering retirement, there must be a good reason behind it. While many retire due to an injury, some do it because they’ve done it all. Currently, there are MVPs, batting legends, and Cy Young Award and World Series winners that fans believe are on the precipice of retirement. Here are five players who are likely to retire after 2021.

Designated Hitter Nelson Cruz of the Tampa Bay Rays

Back in February, Nelson Cruz, 41, made it clear that retirement was not on his mind. However, he was playing for the Minnesota Twins at the time and has since been traded to the Tampa Bay Rays. He now has a legitimate opportunity to win a World Series, and Cruz had done everything else. Fans now believe that a World Series might push him in the direction of retirement.

First Baseman Albert Pujols of the Los Angeles Dodgers

After the public, ugly split between Albert Pujols and the Los Angeles Angels, many have acknowledged what everyone was noticing, particularly that the 41-year-old does not have too much energy left in him for the game. His results have diminished since his strong days, and so has his role on the team of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Whether he stays in the MLB as a quality reserve or decides to retire remains to be seen.

Starting Pitcher Rich Hill of the New York Mets

The Mets’ Rich Hill has been denying having plans for retirement for the past couple of years, but he is now approaching 42. Hill has changed four teams during the past three seasons, even though he has been performing at a high level. The motivation for Hill to keep playing is to win a World Series, and he just missed an opportunity with the Dodgers and any potential he had with the Rays. If he does not join a contender, his retirement seems reasonable.

Starting Pitcher J.A. Happ of the St. Louis Cardinals

Many wonder how long J.A. Happ plans to continue pitching after he turns 39 this October. He has already won a World Series early in his career and was an All-Star in 2018. Happ has been performing well, but it is clear that he has more playing days behind him than in front. According to experts, he is probably thinking about retirement after every season. Still, he has a chance to win another MLB World Series with the Cardinals.

Catcher Buster Posey of the San Francisco Giants

The legendary catcher Buster Posey, who is playing for the San Francisco Giants, has nothing left to prove after the last decade. His legacy is secure with three World Series titles behind his back and an NL MVP award. He also has four Silver Slugger awards and a Gold Glove. Posey is now 34 and having his best season since 2017 while playing for the best team in baseball.

Star footballer Marcus Rashford who has also recently acted as a political activist, has been honored by Queen Elizabeth II with a Member of the British Empire award. The award is given in recognition of his effective campaign to feed vulnerable children. The Manchester United and England’s national team striker got his MBE award in the birthday honors list, which rewarded key workers and others for their efforts to help people in need.

Rashford Campaigned for the Rights of 1.3 Million Children to Claim Free School Meals

The government had a scheme to give free school meal vouchers, but it was set to end with the school term. Rashford wrote a powerful open letter to lawmakers and backed it by using his social media accounts and the 2.8 million followers he has on Twitter. His efforts resulted in a U-turn for the policy and got lawmakers to expand the food voucher scheme to run through England’s summer holidays.

As the youngest of five children, Rashford felt both honored and humbled by the award. He vowed to continue fighting for the end of child poverty and had a personal appeal to Prime Minister Boris Johnson to extend the support for the October half-term. Rashford said this was a special moment for him, his family, and especially for his mother, who, according to him, is the actual deserving recipient of the honor.

Rashford Said the Fight to Protect Vulnerable Children Is Not Over

After having this initial success in changing the government policy, Rashford formed a child food poverty task force. It has created links with some of the biggest food brands and supermarkets in the UK to help resolve the problem. He said people should stand together to ensure no children in the UK will go to bed hungry. As the Black Lives Matter campaign was gathering momentum, Rashford became a prominent voice for the movement in professional sports across the world. He supports it on social media.