The 20 Best Players to Retire in 2018

9. Ryan Howard

Ryan Howard had a five-year stretch from 2005 through 2009, in which he was the best hitter in the National League. Those great years all started with him winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 2005 and then the MVP in the following season.

In Howard’s MVP season, he hit .313 with 58 home runs and 149 RBI. Howard eclipsed 135 RBI and 45 home runs in four-straight seasons from 2006 through 2009. Howard spent his entire career with the Phillies, was a three-time All-Star and hit 382 home runs.