Josh Willingham expected to retire after 2014 season

The Kansas City Royals are in the thick of a Wild Card chase, as they sit atop the standings with 86 wins. They haven’t punched their ticket to October just yet, but the time seems to be coming.

More from Kansas City Royals

The time has also come for something else to happen in Kansas City — slugger Josh Willingham’s retirement from baseball.

According to a report from Mike Berardino of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, the former Minnesota Twins slugger is expected to retire at the end of the season following the postseason run by the Royals.

"The 35-year-old outfielder/designated hitter for the Kansas City Royals has told people close to him he is “100 percent retiring” once this season ends. Slowed by a groin injury that has limited him to two starts since Sept. 11, Willingham is closing in on the first postseason appearance in his 11-year career."

Currently, the Royals are in control of the top Wild Card spot in the American League, but haven’t yet clinched anything. They lost out on a division title to the Tigers, meaning they’ll need to sneak into the postseason as a Wild Card team.

Willingham just missed being a part of the Twins numerous playoff appearances in the 2000s but he was still productive with the team. He’s going to more than likely make the playoffs for the first time this season, meaning a taste of October might give him a second wind that sees him play one more season.

More from FanSided

Jeter era ends in the Bronx tonight
Phil Hughes ends record breaking season with Twins
NFL Week 4 picks and predictions
College Football Week 5: What to watch for

Home/Kansas City Royals