In a surprising turn of events, the New York Yankees have declined the $17 million club option on Anthony Rizzo’s contract for the 2025 season, thrusting the veteran first baseman into free agency. The move, announced by the team on Wednesday, comes on the heels of a disappointing end to the Yankees’ World Series aspirations and raises questions about Rizzo’s future in pinstripes.
A Yankee No More?
Rizzo, a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, arrived in New York via a trade with the Chicago Cubs in July 2021. Over the course of three-plus seasons with the Yankees, he slashed .234/.326/.409 with 60 home runs, providing a steady presence at first base and a powerful left-handed bat in the lineup.
However, the 35-year-old slugger’s tenure in the Bronx was not without its challenges. Injuries plagued Rizzo throughout his time with the Yankees, limiting him to just 99 games in 2023 due to post-concussion syndrome. This season, a fractured forearm cost him more than two months, and he posted the worst offensive numbers of his career, batting .228 with eight home runs and a meager .637 OPS in 92 games.
World Series Woes
As if the injuries weren’t enough, Rizzo’s postseason was derailed by a freak accident. On the penultimate day of the regular season, he was struck by a pitch, breaking two fingers on his right hand and forcing him to miss the American League Division Series. Rizzo returned for the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians and started all five World Series games against the Los Angeles Dodgers, going 8-for-30 (.267) with a .721 OPS, but it wasn’t enough to propel the Yankees to glory.
“To wear this jersey is something special that I wish every baseball player gets to feel because it’s a different feeling wearing this jersey. And I loved every second of it.”
– Anthony Rizzo, following the Yankees’ World Series loss
The Price of Parting Ways
By declining Rizzo’s option, the Yankees will pay him a $6 million buyout, a substantial sum for a player they’ve decided to move on from. The decision comes just two years after Rizzo signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the club option in November 2022, a deal that now seems like a distant memory.
As the hot stove begins to simmer, Rizzo finds himself in a precarious position. His age, recent injury history, and declining production may give potential suitors pause, but his track record and defensive prowess at first base could still make him an attractive option for teams in need of a veteran presence.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
With Rizzo no longer in the picture, the Yankees must now address the void at first base. Internal options like DJ LeMahieu and Luke Voit could see increased playing time, but the team may also explore the free-agent market or trade possibilities to find a more permanent solution.
One intriguing name to watch is Josh Bell, a switch-hitting first baseman who split the 2024 season between the Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers. Bell, 31, is coming off a solid campaign in which he slashed .274/.359/.471 with 27 home runs and 88 RBIs. His ability to hit from both sides of the plate and his impressive on-base skills could make him an ideal fit for the Yankees’ lineup.
The Rizzo Legacy
As Anthony Rizzo embarks on the next chapter of his career, his time in New York will be remembered as one filled with promise, perseverance, and ultimately, unfulfilled potential. Despite the injuries and the abrupt ending, Rizzo’s impact on the Yankees clubhouse and his contributions on the field cannot be overlooked.
Now, as the baseball world awaits his next move, Rizzo’s legacy as a Yankee will be debated and dissected. Some will point to the missed opportunities and the team’s decision to move on, while others will celebrate the moments of brilliance and the leadership he brought to the organization.
Regardless of where he lands, one thing is certain: Anthony Rizzo’s journey in pinstripes may have come to an end, but his imprint on the Yankees franchise will endure, a testament to the indelible mark he left on one of baseball’s most storied teams.
