The Boston Red Sox signed Brad Wilkerson to a minor league deal late during the offseason to compete for the spot on the roster when Mark Kotsay underwent back surgery. The contract gave him the option to opt out by April 1st.
After hitting .119 in 42 at-bats with 18 strikeouts, Wilkerson decided to leave Red Sox camp and explore his options after he was told he would not make the team. After taking some time to evaluate things, Wilkerson decided to report to Pawtucket and play with the PawSox.
But after 2 games with the PawSox, Wilkerson decided he had enough of baseball and decided to retire from the game. His announcement came from PawSox skipper Ron Johnson.
“Second game of the season, he came in afterwards and that was it,” Johnson said. “He didn’t have the fire anymore.”
In 8 years, Wilkerson played for the Montreal Expos (2001-2004), Washington Nationals (2005), Texas Rangers (2006-2007) and the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays in 2008. He hit .247 with 122 home runs and 399 RBIs during his career.
Brad Wilkerson retires after eight-year career [Providence Journal]
