Unsigned Veteran: Anthony Rizzo, 35, remains a free agent despite a 14-year career including a World Series title with the Cubs (2016) and reaching the World Series with the Yankees (2024).
Performance Decline: Rizzo's offensive production has dipped significantly. In 2024, he hit just .228 with 8 home runs and a career-low .335 slugging percentage for a full season. His defensive value has also reportedly decreased.
Yankees Move On: The New York Yankees opted not to re-sign Rizzo, instead acquiring Paul Goldschmidt to fill the first base position.
Lack of Market Interest: Rizzo has received little to no attention from MLB teams during the offseason, making him notably absent from an Opening Day roster for the first time since 2012.
Retirement Speculation: Analysts suggest that due to the lack of interest and performance regression, Rizzo might be facing a "forced retirement," although he previously indicated he does not wish to retire.
Why this matters: Rizzo's situation highlights the harsh realities veteran athletes face. Even accomplished players with strong clubhouse reputations can find their careers in jeopardy due to declining stats and shifting team needs.
Anthony Rizzo boasts an impressive resume: a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glover, Silver Slugger, Platinum Glove winner, and the 2017 Roberto Clemente Award recipient. He was a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs' golden era, culminating in their historic 2016 World Series victory, and later helped the Yankees reach the Fall Classic in 2024. Over his career, he has amassed 303 home runs and 965 RBIs with a lifetime .261 batting average.
However, the past two seasons with the Yankees were marred by injuries and declining performance. His 2024 slash line (.228/.301/.335) was well below league average, and his Wins Above Replacement (WAR) dropped significantly compared to earlier years (combined 0.7 WAR in 2023-24 vs. 2.3 WAR in 2022).
The Yankees' decision to sign Paul Goldschmidt effectively closed the door on Rizzo's return to the Bronx, and the emergence of prospect Ben Rice further solidified this. The current market for veteran first basemen appears weak, leaving Rizzo with limited options. His best chance at returning to an MLB lineup might be as an injury replacement for another team, likely signing for the league minimum.
Q: Is Anthony Rizzo currently on an MLB team?
A: No, Anthony Rizzo is currently a free agent. He was not signed by any team for the start of the 2025 MLB season, marking the first time since 2012 he wasn't on an Opening Day roster.
Q: Why haven't teams signed Anthony Rizzo?
A: His offensive and defensive performance has declined over the past couple of seasons. Coupled with a tough market for veteran first basemen, teams have shown little interest in signing the 35-year-old.
Q: Does Anthony Rizzo want to retire?
A: Rizzo indicated earlier in the offseason that he does not want to retire and still hopes to play.
Pro Sports Reality: Rizzo's current situation demonstrates how quickly fortunes can change in professional sports, even for celebrated players. Performance decline and market dynamics often dictate career longevity.
Legacy vs. Present: While Rizzo has a significant legacy, particularly in Chicago, teams evaluate players based on current abilities and future projections.
Potential Path Forward: Fans hoping to see Rizzo play again should watch for potential injuries on other teams, which might create an opportunity for him to sign as a depth player.
What are your thoughts on Anthony Rizzo's situation? Will another team take a chance on the veteran first baseman, or is retirement imminent? Let us know!
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