Former Mets, Cubs shortstop announces immediate retirement at 29
The slick-fielding shortstop was a former top prospect in the Nationals organization
Jackson Cluff, a shortstop known for his exceptional fielding skills, announced his immediate retirement from professional baseball on October 21 at the age of 29, according to a post on his Instagram account. Cluff, who had played for the New York Mets and Chicago Cubs organizations, expressed gratitude for the opportunities baseball had provided him over his eight-season career.
"After 8 professional seasons and a lifetime spent chasing this dream, I’ve decided it’s time to step away from the game," he wrote. Despite his impressive fielding ability, Cluff's batting averages were lower than desired, with a .164/.295/.306 slash line in 2026 for Syracuse Mets and Iowa Cubs, and a career-high .242/.349/.422 in 103 games for the Rochester Red Wings.
Signed by the Mets in November 2025, Cluff appeared in just 10 games with the Grapefruit League and was subsequently released in August after a weak .169 average in 62 games. Cluff, drafted 17th overall by the Nationals in 2019, was the team's No. 17 prospect two years later. He was named Defensive Player of the Year for his performance with the Arizona Fall League's Surprise Saguaros in 2021.
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