Former Los Angeles Dodgers utility player Matt Beaty has officially retired from professional baseball at age 33, ending a career that included a World Series championship and five seasons in Major League Baseball.
Beaty announced his retirement on Instagram, explaining that he had spent nearly two years considering whether to continue pursuing another opportunity in professional baseball or close the chapter for good.
Matt Beaty Announces Retirement From Professional Baseball
Beaty’s decision comes after his last professional appearance in 2024. Although he had not played in the major leagues since 2023, the former MLB player said walking away from baseball was not an easy decision.
Beaty reflected on the uncertainty surrounding his future after his final at-bat and the difficulty of ending a career that had occupied much of his life.
The Georgia native ultimately decided it was time to move forward and begin the next chapter of his life.
Beaty’s MLB Career With the Dodgers
The Dodgers selected Beaty in the 12th round of the 2015 MLB Draft after his college career at Belmont.
He reached the majors in 2019, making his MLB debut with Los Angeles and establishing himself as a versatile left-handed hitter who could play first base and the corner outfield positions.
During his first major league season, Beaty hit .265 with nine home runs and 46 RBIs in 99 games.
World Series Championship Highlighted His Career
One of the biggest achievements of Beaty’s career came in 2020, when the Dodgers won the World Series.
Beaty appeared in 21 games during Los Angeles’ championship season, hitting two home runs and recording five RBIs.
Although he was not among the team’s biggest stars, being part of a World Series-winning Dodgers roster became one of the defining moments of his professional career.
A Strong 2021 Season
Beaty’s 2021 campaign was arguably his most productive MLB season statistically.
He hit .270 with four doubles, seven home runs and 40 RBIs. His offensive production highlighted his value as a versatile position player capable of contributing in different roles.
Across his MLB career, Beaty appeared in nearly 300 regular-season games and provided depth at multiple positions.
Trade to the San Diego Padres
In March 2022, the Dodgers traded Beaty to the San Diego Padres in a deal involving pitching prospect River Ryan.
The move gave Beaty an opportunity to continue his career in San Diego, but his time with the Padres proved challenging.
He played 20 games and went 4-for-43 at the plate, producing a .093 batting average before suffering a shoulder injury in May 2022.
After recovering, Beaty spent most of the remainder of the season in the minor leagues. The Padres designated him for assignment in September, after which he became a free agent.
Final MLB Stops With the Giants and Royals
Beaty returned to affiliated baseball in 2023, spending time with the Kansas City Royals and San Francisco Giants.
He played 30 major league games between the two organizations and posted a .230/.347/.295 slash line.
Beaty also played 53 minor league games in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization in 2024. The Diamondbacks released him in September of that year, marking the end of his playing career.
Matt Beaty’s MLB Career Statistics
Across five MLB seasons, Beaty recorded a .247 batting average with 18 home runs and 96 RBIs in 290 regular-season games.
His career also included postseason experience with the Dodgers, giving him the opportunity to compete on baseball’s biggest stage.
Beaty’s MLB journey took him through the Dodgers, Padres, Giants and Royals before his professional career came to an end.
A Career Built From a Childhood Dream
In his retirement announcement, Beaty focused heavily on the journey that brought him to professional baseball.
He recalled his parents signing him up for T-ball and memories of going to the park with his father for batting practice.
For Beaty, reaching the major leagues represented the culmination of years of work, sacrifice and family support.
His career delivered experiences that many young baseball players dream about: reaching MLB, playing for the Dodgers and winning a World Series.
What Comes Next for Matt Beaty?
Beaty’s retirement announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter after years devoted to professional baseball.
His final MLB appearance came in 2023, while his last professional baseball action came with Arizona’s minor league system in 2024. Nearly two years later, he has now officially confirmed his retirement.
At 33, Beaty leaves baseball with a World Series ring, five MLB seasons and memories of competing at the highest level.
His career may not have followed a straightforward path, but his journey from a 12th-round draft selection to Major League Baseball and a World Series championship remains a notable story.
For Beaty, retirement is more than simply leaving the game. It represents the close of a chapter that began with childhood baseball and eventually led him to the major leagues.
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