Yankees Shock Fans by Dumping Beloved Slugger – Where Will Rizzo Land Next?

Yankees Shock Fans by Dumping Beloved Slugger – Where Will Rizzo Land Next?

Anthony Rizzo Enters Free Agency After Yankees Decline $17M Option

The New York Yankees made a franchise-altering move Saturday by declining Anthony Rizzo’s $17 million club option for 2025, ending the three-time All-Star’s tenure in pinstripes after three seasons. The 35-year-old first baseman will receive a $6 million buyout as he enters free agency for the third time in his career.

Injury-Plagued Final Seasons

Rizzo’s Bronx departure follows two consecutive injury-shortened campaigns:

  • 2023: Missed final two months with post-concussion syndrome from a May collision
  • 2024: Suffered broken arm (June) and fractured fingers (September), limiting him to 92 games

The slugger hit just .228 with 8 HRs and 35 RBIs in his final Yankees season, a far cry from his .304 average through May 2023 before injuries derailed his production.

Legacy of Clutch Performances

Career Highlights Achievements
2016 World Series Champion 4× Gold Glove Winner
3× All-Star (2014-2016) 2016 Silver Slugger
.261 Career BA • 303 HRs • 965 RBIs 2017 Roberto Clemente Award

“Anthony brought championship pedigree and leadership to our clubhouse,” said Yankees GM Brian Cashman in a statement. “These decisions are never easy with players of his caliber.”

Free Agent Outlook

Despite recent struggles, Rizzo remains attractive to contenders needing left-handed power:

  • Market Value: Projected 1-year/$8-10M deals
  • Best Fit: NL teams needing platoon bats/defensive specialists
  • Health Concerns: Played <100 games in 2023-24

The Cubs (his former team) and Marlins (near his Florida home) have been rumored as potential suitors. Rizzo’s $40M Yankees contract from 2022-24 paid him $20M annually, but industry analysts predict shorter-term offers this winter.

Philanthropic Legacy

Beyond baseball, Rizzo’s Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation has donated over $7 million to cancer research since 2012. The Parkland, Florida native overcame Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 18 before beginning his MLB journey.


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