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.
