Former Astros pitcher, 30, announces immediate retirement from baseball

Pitcher Luis Contreras, who made 14 appearances for the Houston Astros over the last two seasons to cap an eight-year career, announced his retirement from professional baseball in a heartfelt Instagram post on July 26.

“Today, I officially retire from my playing career and begin my journey as a coach,” Contreras wrote on Instagram. “Baseball has given me far more than I ever could have imagined. Now it’s my turn to give back. I can’t wait to pour everything I’ve learned into the next generation and help others chase their own dreams.”

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Contreras retires with a 0-0 record and 7.50 ERA in his MLB career.

A native of Maracaibo, Venezuela, Contreras signed with the Chicago Cubs in April 2015. He was released in May 2016, and spent the next three years out of affiliated baseball.

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The Milwaukee Brewers gave him a second chance in 2019, and Contreras quickly worked his way through the minor leagues as a relief pitcher.

Contreras reached Triple-A for the first time as a 26-year-old in 2022. He posted an 8.00 ERA in his first cup of coffee at the level, but fared better in 26 games in 2023 (4-2, 4.76 games with the Nashville Sounds).

The right-hander elected free agency after the 2023 season and signed with the Astros that November. In June 2024, he got his first shot at the big leagues following a dominant performance (1.40 ERA, 26 percent strikeout rate, 9.1 percent walk rate in 19.1 innings) at Triple-A Sugar Land.

Contreras kept rolling, allowing no runs in four low-leverage appearances out of the bullpen to start his career. Then came an ill-fated game in Minnesota on July 5, 2024, in which the Twins turned six hits and a walk into six runs against Contreras. He spent the rest of the season in the minors.

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In nine appearances for the Astros last year, Contreras did not allow a run in five of them. The other four didn’t go so well, and he posted a 6.75 ERA before he was designated for assignment in an August roster crunch.

The Astros allowed Contreras to walk in free agency after last season. He did not find new employment in affiliated baseball after a brief stint in the Venezuelan Winter League last offseason.