Former Mets Outfielder Juan Lagares Announces Retirement

The Gold Glove Award winning center fielder bid farewell to baseball on Instagram after a 20-year professional career.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 2:39am

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Juan Lagares, a former center fielder for the New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels, has announced his retirement from professional baseball. Lagares, who won a Gold Glove Award in 2015, made the announcement on his Instagram account, expressing gratitude for the game and thanking his current team, Águilas Cibaeñas of the Dominican Winter League.

Why it matters

Lagares was known for his defensive prowess, which allowed him to maintain a steady MLB career despite a relatively light offensive output. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Mets, who had Lagares as a key part of their outfield for several seasons.

The details

Lagares, 36, played for the Mets from 2013 to 2020 and the Angels from 2021 to 2022. Over his 850-game MLB career, he posted a .250/.291/.360 slash line with 31 home runs, 217 RBIs, and 45 stolen bases. After his final season with the Angels, Lagares spent the last four winter league seasons with Aguilas in the Dominican Republic, playing 90 games in total.

  • Lagares announced his retirement on February 19, 2026.
  • Lagares last played in the major leagues in 2022 with the Los Angeles Angels.

The players

Juan Lagares

A former center fielder who played for the New York Mets from 2013 to 2020 and the Los Angeles Angels from 2021 to 2022. He won a Gold Glove Award in 2015 and spent the last four winter league seasons with Aguilas in the Dominican Republic.

Águilas Cibaeñas

Lagares' current team in the Dominican Winter League, where he played 90 games over the last four seasons.

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The takeaway

Lagares' retirement marks the end of an era for the New York Mets, where he was a key part of the outfield for several seasons. Despite his relatively light offensive output, Lagares' defensive prowess allowed him to maintain a steady MLB career, and his retirement is a testament to his contributions to the game.