Julio Teherán Announces Retirement After 13 MLB Seasons

Colombian pitcher Julio Teherán officially announced his retirement from professional baseball on March 9, 2026, bringing an end to a 13-year Major League Baseball career. The announcement came after Colombia’s elimination from the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and following a shoulder injury that scratched him from a scheduled start in the tournament.

A Pioneering Career for Colombian Baseball

Teherán’s arrival in MLB in 2011 with the Atlanta Braves marked a significant moment for Colombian baseball. Prior to Teherán, Edgar Rentería and Orlando Cabrera had established themselves as shortstops, and Ernesto Frieri had a stint with the San Diego Padres bullpen, but Teherán emerged as a legitimate ace. He quickly became a key figure for the Braves, making six consecutive Opening Day starts and earning two All-Star selections in 2014 and 2016.

MLB Journey and Accomplishments

Throughout his career, Teherán played for five MLB franchises: the Atlanta Braves (2011-2019), Los Angeles Angels (2020), Detroit Tigers (2021), Milwaukee Brewers (2023), and Modern York Mets (2024). He finished his career with an 81-82 record, a 3.85 ERA, and 1,260 strikeouts.

Impact on the World Baseball Classic

Teherán participated in the World Baseball Classic in 2017 and 2026. In 2017, he pitched five innings against Canada, helping Colombia secure their first-ever win in the tournament. He also contributed to Colombia’s qualification for the 2026 tournament, pitching six scoreless innings with four strikeouts against Brazil in March 2025, earning him recognition as one of the best players from the qualifiers .

A Challenging Decision

“It was a very difficult decision,” Teherán said, expressing gratitude for the support he received throughout his career. He announced his retirement in Spanish at Hiram Bithorn Stadium after Colombia’s 4-3 victory over Panama, despite the team’s overall 1-3 record in the tournament.

Legacy for Colombian Baseball

Julio Teherán’s retirement marks the end of an era for Colombian baseball. He inspired a new generation of pitchers, including Guillo Zuñiga, who grew up idolizing Teherán. His success paved the way for future Colombian players in MLB, solidifying his place as a pioneer for the sport in his home country.