Ex-Mets, Nationals infielder Daniel Murphy retiring after 12 seasons

Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Former New York Mets and Washington Nationals infielder Daniel Murphy announced Friday that he is retiring from MLB after 12 seasons.

"This is a beautiful game, and I really just feel humbled and blessed that it let me jump on the ride for a little bit," Murphy told SNY. "It's beautiful. It can teach you about so many things. And all I can say is, thank you."

The 35-year-old Murphy was a three-time All-Star selection and had a career .296 batting average with the Mets, Nationals, Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies. He reached the World Series as a member of the Mets in 2015, when he was named MVP of the National League Championship Series.

He also was the National League MVP runner-up in 2016, his first year with the Nationals.

Murphy spent his final two seasons in Colorado, but he never flourished at hitter-friendly Coors Field. He recorded a .269 batting average with 16 home runs and 94 RBIs in 172 games with the Rockies. The veteran infielder also dealt with a finger injury that limited him in his first season with the club.

Murphy became a free agent this off-season after the Rockies declined his $6 million mutual option for 2021, but he told SNY that he was leaning toward retirement by the end of last season.

Murphy, who rotated between first, second and third base and the outfield, finished his major league career with 138 home runs, 735 RBIs and 68 stolen bases.