Following the dejection of being swept out of the American League Division Series by the Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter said he is contemplating retirement.
Hunter, 39, faces free agency now that the Orioles punched their ticket to an American League Championship Series against the Kansas City Royals following Sunday's 2-1 victory at Comerica Park in Detroit, ending the Tigers season in more October disappointment.
"I've thought about that a lot," Hunter told MLB.com about calling it a career. "Just talk it over with my wife. We'll see what happens."
Hunter said the season was a rollercoaster ride, but that he is also open to playing for two more seasons as he continues to hunt his World Series dreams.
"I've never been a part of anything like that in my life," he said when reflecting on the 2014 campaign.
Hunter hit .286 in his second year in Detroit with 17 homers and 83 RBI in 142 games and he could be used to fill a possible void at designated hitter left by Victor Martinez, if he opts to sign elsewhere out of free agency.
Hunter would have big cleats to fill if that happens as Martinez was second in the MLB with a .335 batting average this season.
Tigers manager Brad Ausmus has praised Hunter for his positive attitude and impact on the clubhouse atmosphere, so it seems as though the skipper would be an advocate for Detroit to bring him back.
Hunter has played in 2,233 games over his 18-year career and has a lifetime .279 batting average with 331 homers and 1,310 RBI with the Minnesota Twins, Los Angeles Angels and Tigers.
The Tigers finished the 2014 season with a 90-72 record and their fourth straight AL Central Division crown, but once again struggled in the postseason, failing to win a single game and being unable to make it to the World Series for the first time since 2012.
Hunter is a five-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove Award winner.
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