Alex Wood Retires: Braves Fan Favorite Ends 12-Year MLB Journey
One of the most distinctive deliveries in recent Atlanta Braves history has officially been retired. On Friday, Alex Wood announced he is stepping away from Major League Baseball after a 12-season career defined by his funky, herky-jerky left-handed motion and consistent success on the mound.
From Athens to Atlanta
Drafted in the second round by the Braves in 2012 out of the University of Georgia, Wood wasted no time making his mark. Just 11 months after being selected, he debuted with a scoreless relief outing for Atlanta.
Originally working out of the bullpen, Wood quickly transitioned into a starting role, delivering his best statistical stretch with the Braves. Over parts of three seasons in Atlanta, he posted a 3.10 ERA, the best of his five MLB stops, and went 21–20. His 2014 campaign—2.78 ERA in his first full season as a starter—remains a career highlight.
A Career on the Move
Midway through the 2015 season, the Braves traded Wood to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he reached new heights. He earned an All-Star selection in 2017 and played a key role in the Dodgers’ 2020 World Series championship.
In the later stages of his career, Wood also pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, San Francisco Giants, and Oakland Athletics. His final professional appearances came in 2024 with the A’s, where he logged nine games and a 5.26 ERA.
The Final Numbers
Wood finishes his career with a 77–68 record, a 3.78 ERA, and 278 MLB appearances (211 starts). While his unique motion might not be found in any pitching manual, it carried him through more than a decade at baseball’s highest level—a testament to both his talent and adaptability.
As Wood hangs up his cleats, Braves fans will remember not just the numbers, but the unconventional delivery and competitive fire that made him one of Atlanta’s most memorable pitchers of the last decade.
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