Veteran shortstop Elvis Andrus will officially retire as a Texas Ranger, the team announced. Andrus, who spent 12 seasons with Texas after debuting at age 20, will be joined by former teammate Michael Young and ex-Rangers manager Ron Washington at a press conference on Friday. Andrus last played in the majors with the Chicago White Sox in 2023.
Reflecting on his decision, Andrus told *The Dallas Morning News* that while he initially thought retirement would be difficult, he’s found peace with the transition. “The last five years, I’ve seen my closest friends retire,” Andrus said. “I thought this was going to be a depressing journey, but it’s been amazing.”
Now 36, Andrus began his MLB journey after signing with the Atlanta Braves as an international free agent in 2005. He was later traded to the Rangers as part of the Mark Teixeira deal in 2007 and became the team’s Opening Day shortstop at just 20 years old in 2009. That year, he hit .269 with 33 stolen bases, finishing second in AL Rookie of the Year voting.
Andrus went on to become a key figure for the Rangers, earning two All-Star selections and playing 1,379 of 1,458 possible games from 2009 to 2017. During his Rangers tenure, he batted .277 and was known for his durability and defensive skills.
After his time in Texas, Andrus was traded to the Oakland A’s in 2021 and later played for the Chicago White Sox. He retired with a .269 career batting average, 2,091 hits, 102 home runs, and 305 stolen bases. Andrus ranks highly in several Rangers categories, including second in games played (1,652) and first in stolen bases.
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