Packy Naughton’s career with the St. Louis Cardinals has been repeatedly derailed by injuries over the past several seasons.
In May, it was revealed that Naughton would require another elbow surgery in June, sidelining him for an extended period once again. His injury troubles date back to 2023, when he underwent season-ending surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his left elbow. He needed another procedure in 2024, and after missing the entire 2025 season, he appeared to be regaining form during Spring Training and in three outings with Triple-A Memphis. Unfortunately, his comeback was cut short after suffering another injury.
It’s been a difficult road for Naughton, to say the least. And now, his time in professional baseball, at least as a player, is coming to an end. On Monday, Naughton took to Instagram to announce his retirement from professional baseball.
Packy Naughton Is Heading Off To Retirement
“For the past 26 years, baseball has meant everything to me,” Naughton wrote on X. “From growing up playing at the complex, to having my brother Jake behind the plate for me in high school, to pitching at Virginia Tech, I thought I had already accomplished more than I ever dreamed. …
“After multiple elbow surgeries, countless hours of rehab, and giving everything I had to get back on the mound, my body has made the decision for me. My elbow just can’t do it anymore. I gave this game everything I had, and then some. While I’m proud of that, it doesn’t make writing these words any easier. None of this would have been possible without the people who stood beside me every step of the way.”
Naughton became a popular figure among Cardinals fans during the 2022 and 2023 seasons thanks to his resilience and contributions on the mound. Over his time with St. Louis, he appeared in 30 major league games, posting a 4.14 ERA while recording 36 strikeouts against just eight walks across 37 innings pitched.
As the injuries continued to pile up, Naughton became a player that the Cardinals’ fanbase rooted for as he relentlessly attempted to come back and help the organization out. It’s unfortunate how things worked out with the injuries, but it certainly wasn’t from a lack of trying for the 30-year-old lefty.
He found success in a Cardinals uniform and now can go off and find what comes next. Hopefully, Naughton is able to find whatever he is looking for in his next chapter.
