Mets' Gold Glove Winner Announces Retirement After 10 MLB Seasons

Juan Lagares, a star center fielder for the New York Mets, is calling it a career after a decade in the majors.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Juan Lagares, a former Gold Glove winner with the New York Mets, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball after 10 seasons. Lagares, 36, last played in the majors in 2022 and has spent the last four years playing in the Dominican Winter League.

Why it matters

Lagares was a fan favorite in New York for his stellar defensive play in center field, winning a Gold Glove in 2014. His retirement marks the end of an era for the Mets, who will need to find a new center fielder to anchor their outfield.

The details

Lagares played his first eight MLB seasons with the Mets, batting .254 with 119 doubles, 22 triples, and 31 home runs. His best year came in 2014 when he posted a 5.2 Wins Above Replacement, combining his elite defense with a .281 batting average. After leaving the Mets, Lagares spent his final two MLB seasons with the Los Angeles Angels before playing exclusively in the Dominican Winter League the past four years.

  • Lagares announced his retirement on February 19, 2026.
  • Lagares last played in the majors in 2022.
  • Lagares won a Gold Glove with the Mets in 2014.

The players

Juan Lagares

A former center fielder who spent the majority of his 10-year MLB career with the New York Mets, winning a Gold Glove in 2014.

New York Mets

The MLB team that Lagares played for during the first eight seasons of his career, where he established himself as one of the best defensive center fielders in the game.

Los Angeles Angels

The team Lagares played for during the final two seasons of his MLB career after leaving the Mets.

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What they’re saying

“Lagares has actually only played in the Dominican Winter League each of the last four years, not playing in MLB-affiliated ball during the spring and summer.”

— Billy Heyen, Author (sportingnews.com)

The takeaway

Lagares' retirement marks the end of an era for the Mets, who will need to find a new center fielder to anchor their outfield. His stellar defensive play and Gold Glove-winning season in 2014 made him a fan favorite in New York, and his career serves as a testament to making the most of one's talents.