Pence was released by the Giants in late August, and at 37 years old he has decided to hang it up. The announcement marks the end of a 14-year career that saw Pence make four All-Star teams and garner MVP votes in four different seasons. The outfielder's on-field accomplishments were vast -- including helping lead the Giants to two World Series titles -- but his off-field demeanor and fun-loving attitude will be remembered as much or more than anything. Baseball is losing a great player and person, but hopefully Pence finds a role in the sport even now that his playing days are over.

It's just a paper move, as he'll almost certainly be officially released soon. Pence was designated for assignment over the weekend after batting just .096/.161/.250 with 15 strikeouts over 56 plate appearances in his return to San Francisco. It's fair to wonder if this is the end of the road for the 37-year-old.

Pence had a surprising bounce-back season in 2019, but he really struggled to gain any traction in 2020 with just five hits in 52 at-bats. The Giants understandably want to see what they have with their younger players.

Pence ignited the Giants’ late-inning four-run rally by crushing a pinch-hit, three-run homer -- his first round-tripper of the season -- to right field off Astros lefty reliever Blake Taylor in the seventh inning. He also singled in the ninth off closer Ryan Pressly. The 37-year-old outfielder has been a complete non-factor offensively in limited playing time for the Giants, but he certainly came through in the clutch in this one.