Torii Hunter

After 19 seasons, Torii Hunter has decided to call it quits on his MLB career. The 40-year-old outfielder announced Monday he will officially retire.   

The Major League Baseball offseason can be as dramatic as the postseason—at least in most years, though this October is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory—providing thrills and heartache for fans and teams in their quests to build championship rosters.

Leadership is an undervalued quality these days.

Just ask the Detroit Tigers.

It’s been a tumultuous season for a club that was expected to compete for a World Series Championship this year.

There are several reasons behind the team’s downfall: a shoddy bullpen, key injuries, little depth and a poorly constructed starting rotation.

Perhaps the biggest loss was a player the organization allowed to walk away last winter.

Torii Hunter certainly got his money's worth as he argued a call and was subsequently ejected during the Minnesota Twins' 7-2 defeat to the Kansas Royals on Wednesday night. Now, it's really going to cost him.

After much deliberation, outfielder Torii Hunter will play in his 19th MLB season next year after signing a free-agent deal with the Twins. 

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Hunter is heading to Minnesota once again:

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports provided the financial details: 

Key players have already signed new contracts this winter, setting the standard for how the rest of the offseason is going to unfold.

Outfielder Torii Hunter was a key to the Detroit Tigers' run to yet another American League Central title. After yet another solid season, Hunter's name is now generating buzz around the MLB this offseason. 

There are times in life when one must stare fear in the face and give it a big fat kiss.

This was one of those times for Detroit Tigers outfielder Torii Hunter. Justin Verlander dared his teammate to pucker up and lay one on the gator, and Hunter came through in the clutch. However, Hunter captioned the photo "#stillfearit," so there remains a healthy respect for the animal. 

The Detroit Tigers brought outfielder Torii Hunter on board for the 2013 season for two reasons: To help stabilize the top of the batting order to set up Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder and give a veteran voice in the clubhouse.

If April is any indication of what Hunter brings to the table at the plate, then the mission has been accomplished.

Torii Hunter, Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder have been tearing the cover off the ball so far this baseball season, and they don't look to be slowing down anytime soon.

The Detroit Tigers' 2-3-4 hitters are leading the team in batting average in their same respective lineup order to help the struggling Tigers keep their heads above water.