Nelson Cruz retires from MLB after 19 seasons

Seven-time All-Star Nelson Cruz announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Thursday.

Cruz, 43, made it official that he is hanging up his cleats after 19 seasons during an appearance on "The Adam Jones Podcast."

Cruz told Jones that he would be competing this winter in the Dominican Professional Baseball League in what amounts to be a farewell tour.

"So this is the last we're seeing of Nelson Cruz?" Jones asked.

"I think so, yeah," Cruz answered.

Cruz was released by the San Diego Padres on July 10, approximately six months removed from signing a one-year, $1 million contract with the club.

He batted .245 with five home runs and 23 RBIs in 49 games (33 starts), mostly as a designated hitter this past season. He appeared in one game at first base and made 16 pinch-hit appearances.

Cruz is a career .274 hitter with 464 career homers and 1,325 RBIs with eight teams. He's a four-time Silver Slugger and the 2011 American League Championship Series MVP as a member of the Texas Rangers.

In 2013, Cruz was among 13 players banned by Major League Baseball after they were connected to Biogenesis of America, a Florida clinic that was accused of supplying performing-enhancing drugs. His suspension was for 50 games.