Nick Markakis retires after 15 seasons

Former Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves outfielder Nick Markakis is retiring from baseball, he told The Athletic's Dan Connolly and David O'Brien.

The 37-year-old said he made the decision to retire shortly after the Braves were eliminated from the 2020 postseason and decided not to pursue any offseason playing possibilities, even though teams had interest.

"I just think it's my time," Markakis said. "My No. 1 decision and my main focus on this is obviously my kids and my family. I've been fortunate enough to do this for a very long time, and not many people get to do what I've gone through. I'm thankful for every second and every minute."

Markakis said he plans to be a stay-at-home dad to his three sons.

The Georgia native was a model of consistency throughout his 15-year career, playing in at least 147 games in 12 seasons. He's eighth all time in games played by a right fielder and retires with a .288 career average and three Gold Gloves.

Markakis never won a World Series. The closest he came was last season when the Braves lost the National League Championship Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games.

"I chased it for 15 years. And I understand not everybody’s gonna get the opportunity to hold that trophy," Markakis said. "That's life. Life goes on. And I tried and I gave my best effort for 15 years. That's all I can really do."