Anthony Rizzo’s Career at a Crossroads: Will the Yankees Legend Retire After a Quiet Free Agency?**
As **MLB Spring Training** kicks into high gear, one notable name remains unsigned: **Anthony Rizzo**, the **2016 World Series champion**, **three-time All-Star**, and **four-time Gold Glove winner**. After a disappointing 2023 season with the New York Yankees, Rizzo’s future in baseball is uncertain, and retirement looms as a real possibility.
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### **Rizzo’s Decline and Yankees’ Decision**
Rizzo, who joined the Yankees in a 2021 trade with the Chicago Cubs, struggled mightily last season, posting an **81 OPS+** over 375 plate appearances—the worst full-season mark of his career. This marked the **second consecutive year** he rated as a below-average hitter, prompting the Yankees to decline his **$17 million team option** for 2025.
In a candid interview with **The Athletic**, Rizzo admitted he’s considered retirement:
> ***“I’ve definitely thought about it. I think I have a lot to give to the game still. But if teams aren’t going to pay a few million dollars for veterans, I’ve seen it happen. Older guys get squeezed. I’m not naive to it. It could be it.”***
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### **A Market That Never Materialized**
Rizzo’s free agency was initially thought to be stalled by the **Pete Alonso** sweepstakes, as teams waited for the Mets slugger to make a decision. However, Alonso’s re-signing with the Mets didn’t spark interest in Rizzo, suggesting his market may have been **nonexistent from the start**.
Other free-agent hitters like **Justin Turner**, **Harrison Bader**, and **Tommy Pham** are also in limbo, but Rizzo’s age (35) and recent decline have made him a particularly tough sell.
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### **A Legacy of Excellence**
Before 2023, Rizzo had only one season with a sub-100 OPS+—his rookie year with the **San Diego Padres** in 2011. For over a decade, he was one of MLB’s premier **two-way first basemen**, combining elite defense with consistent power at the plate.
– **Cubs Legacy**: Rizzo was a cornerstone of Chicago’s **2016 World Series** team, earning three All-Star nods and four Gold Gloves during his tenure.
– **Yankees Tenure**: While his production dipped in New York, he remained a respected leader in the clubhouse.
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### **What’s Next for Rizzo?**
If this is the end, Rizzo’s career will be remembered for his **clutch performances**, **durability**, and **leadership**. However, his refusal to accept a league-minimum deal reflects his belief in his value—and his desire to protect the earning potential of future veterans.
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