Gio Urshela.
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Following 10 MLB seasons, Gio Urshela has announced his retirement. In his career, he’s batted .270 with 73 home runs, 759 hits and 352 RBI.
The 34-year-old was highly regarded throughout his MLB career by teammates and fans for always smiling and his joyful and uplifting demeanor in the clubhouse.
But Urshela was also known for being a solid third baseman defensively, and his breakout season while playing for the New York Yankees (2019-2021).
Urshela jumped around MLB playing for several other teams, such as the former Cleveland Indians, now Guardians, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Atlanta Braves and Athletics.
Gio Urshela announces his retirement after 10 MLB seasons pic.twitter.com/JT7uJ6qT37
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 18, 2026
Gio Urshela’s successful tenure with the Yankees
But his time spent with the Yankees was his longest tenure with a team (three seasons). As well, he developed into a huge success story while demonstrating resiliency.
The Yankees acquired the invaluable utility infielder for cash considerations in 2018. As a comeback success player, he stepped in for injured star Miguel Andújar and became the everyday third baseman for the Yankees in 2019.
His .314 batting average, along with 21 home runs in 2019, established his status as a solid third baseman paired with top-tier defensive metrics. 2020 was a strong defensive season for Urshela.
He was named a 2020 AL Gold Glove finalist at third base, and he sported a .992 fielding percentage, which was the best among MLB third basemen. He also recorded an AL-best 5.4 UZR.
In addition to his defensive upside, he also had a solid bat ranking in the 90th percentile with an xBA of .296 in 2019, which demonstrated his elite offensive skillset.
Overall, Urshela played his final season with the Athletics in 2025 and had a successful career in MLB. He transformed from a struggling prospect into a reliable utility infielder.
Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.
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