Garrett Cooper, a former All‑Star outfielder who spent six seasons with the Miami Marlins, announced his retirement earlier this year, marking the end of a career that began when he was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2013 draft.
During his time in Miami he posted a .261 batting average with a .752 OPS, compiling 108 hits, 33 doubles, two triples, 50 RBIs and nine home runs in 119 games, contributions that helped the club navigate a period of identity rediscovery.
His final full‑season in the majors was split between the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox in 2024, where he batted .206 with a .566 OPS, having previously been traded to the San Diego Padres at the 2023 trade deadline and appearing in only one postseason appearance, in 2020.
Retirement opened a new chapter for Cooper, who attended a Marlins‑Phillies series at Citizens Bank Arena as a spectator. He described the experience as liberating, noting that watching the game from the stands allowed him to enjoy baseball without the pressures of competition.
Mentoring the Next Generation
Reuniting with former teammates such as Brylan De La Cruz, Luis Arraez and Jesus Luzardo in the Phillies’ clubhouse reinforced his sense of camaraderie, while a familiar presence on the Marlins, 2023 Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, reminded him of the league’s evolving dynamics.
Off the field, Cooper has turned his expertise into a business venture, founding The Hitting Lab, a private‑lesson platform dedicated to developing the next generation of hitters. The Marlins organization has publicly acknowledged his impact, highlighting his role in the team’s recent resurgence.
Looking ahead, Cooper plans to expand The Hitting Lab’s reach, offering mentorship to young athletes across the country and exploring collaborations with former teammates. He remains optimistic that his blend of playing experience and analytical insight will help shape a more dynamic future for the sport.