Yankees’ Anthony Rizzo Acknowledges He May Have to Retire

Anthony Rizzo’s Uncertain Future in Baseball

Anthony Rizzo, the veteran first baseman for the New York Yankees, is facing an uncertain future as a free agent. At 35 years old, Rizzo has achieved a lot in his career, including three All-Star appearances, four Gold Glove awards, and a World Series championship with the Chicago Cubs. However, he is now contemplating the possibility that his career might be coming to an end if teams do not start offering him viable contracts. Rizzo expressed his thoughts in an interview with The Athletic, acknowledging that while he still feels he has a lot to contribute to the game, the reality of the situation is that older players often get "squeezed" out of the market as teams prioritize younger talent and lower salaries.

A Decade of Excellence with the Chicago Cubs

Before joining the Yankees, Rizzo spent 10 years with the Chicago Cubs, where he established himself as one of the most reliable and dominant first basemen in the league. During his time with the Cubs, Rizzo was a key figure in their 2016 World Series victory, ending a 108-year championship drought for the franchise. He also became known for his consistent power at the plate, hitting 25 or more home runs in multiple seasons and maintaining a solid batting average. Rizzo’s defensive skills were equally impressive, earning him four Gold Glove awards for his excellent fielding.

Challenging Times with the New York Yankees

Rizzo joined the Yankees in 2019 and had a solid first season with the team in 2022. However, his time in New York has been marred by injuries, including a freak concussion in 2023 that significantly impacted his performance. Last season, Rizzo appeared in only 92 games, hitting .228 with eight home runs and 35 runs batted in—far below his usual production. Despite his struggles, Rizzo remains optimistic about his abilities and believes he can still contribute to a team looking to contend. However, he is also realistic about the challenges he faces as an older player in a sport that increasingly favors youth and cost efficiency.

The Struggle to Find a Market in Free Agency

Rizzo has been surprised by the lack of interest in his services this offseason, but he understands the realities of the baseball market. Teams are increasingly hesitant to pay higher salaries for veteran players, preferring instead to invest in younger talent or sign players to short-term, low-cost deals. Rizzo has made it clear that he is not willing to accept a contract that would undermine the market for other players, stating, "You’re almost trying to ruin the market for the next guy." This stance reflects his commitment to fairness and his respect for the game, even as he faces an uncertain future.

Balancing Career Aspirations with Personal Life

As Rizzo waits for potential offers, he is also preparing for a significant event in his personal life—his wife, Emily, is due to give birth to their child on June 15. This has added another layer of complexity to his decision-making process. Rizzo has expressed a desire to continue playing and competing at a high level, but he is also mindful of the importance of being present for his family. He has made it clear that he would prefer to sign with a contending team rather than a rebuilding club, as he wants to balance his professional ambitions with his personal responsibilities.

The Love for the Game and the Uncertain Future

Despite the challenges he faces, Rizzo remains passionate about baseball and is committed to staying involved in the game, whether as a player or in another capacity. He emphasized his love for the intricacies of the game, from strategizing with pitchers to analyzing the finer points of hitting. While he hopes to continue his playing career, Rizzo is also prepared for the possibility that his time on the field may soon come to an end. Until then, he will continue to train and stay ready, holding onto the hope that he can once again contribute to a team’s success. As he navigates this uncertain chapter, Rizzo’s dedication to the game and his resilience in the face of adversity remain an inspiration to fans and players alike.