New York Yankees veteran and explosive first baseman Anthony Rizzo posted career-low numbers in 2024, hitting .228/.301/.335 with just eight home runs in 337 at-bats. Among 25 first basemen with at least 350 plate appearances, Rizzo ranked last in wRC+ (85).
This decline in production, coupled with the team’s payroll nearing the competitive balance tax, made almost unlikely for the New York Yankees to retain him at his current salary. Meanwhile, Anthony Rizzo was well aware of his fate as he opened up on future uncertainty shortly after the Yanks crashed out of the World Series.
Anthony Rizzo Expressed Uncertainty Over Yankees Future
Anthony Rizzo’s future with the New York Yankees remains uncertain as the offseason begins, following their loss in the 2024 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. After the Yankees’ Game 5 defeat, Rizzo hinted at a potential departure, emphasizing his openness to discussions with general manager Brian Cashman and the team’s management. “I don’t know what the future will hold,” Rizzo stated. “Talk with Cash, see what they’re thinking.” These remarks reflect a pragmatic approach as Rizzo, now 35, assesses his role within a team that is gearing up for crucial offseason decisions, including Juan Soto’s impending free agency. The Yankees hold a $17 million team option on Rizzo for 2025, but his underwhelming performance this season raises questions about whether the option will be exercised.
Despite his struggles during the regular season, Anthony Rizzo provided value in the postseason, hitting .267/.421/.300 across 10 games. However, his defensive miscue in Game 5, allowing a pivotal Dodgers’ rally, underscores a challenging year. Rizzo’s realism about his career trajectory was evident in his comments before Game 4 of the World Series. He acknowledged that the series “could very well be” his final appearance in pinstripes, expressing gratitude for his time with the team. “Driving to the field and being with this group means the most to me,” Rizzo reflected. Ultimately, Rizzo’s future hinges on the Yankees’ vision for their roster in 2025 and beyond. His leadership and postseason reliability remain assets, but the team must weigh these against his declining production and their financial constraints. The offseason promises pivotal decisions for the Bronx Bombers as they aim to build on their World Series run.
Anthony Rizzo’s Club Option Denied
Anthony Rizzo’s time with the New York Yankees officially ended as the team declined his $17 million team option for the 2025 MLB season. Instead, Rizzo will receive a $6 million buyout as part of the two-year, $40 million deal he signed with the Yankees in November 2022. Rizzo, acquired by the Yankees from the Chicago Cubs at the 2021 trade deadline, made a strong initial impression.
His 2022 campaign was especially notable, with a .224/.338/.480 slash line and 32 home runs. However, injuries and declining performance over the past two seasons diminished his impact. In 191 combined games across 2023 and 2024, Rizzo hit .237/.315/.358 with just 20 homers. The 2024 season was particularly challenging for the three-time All-Star. Rizzo missed a significant portion of the year due to a broken arm and fractured fingers, appearing in only 99 games.
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