New York Yankees free agent Anthony Rizzo is aware that retirement could be a real possibility for him this spring.
After the Yankees declined his $17 million club option at the end of last season, the 35-year-old first baseman received a $6 million buyout but was left without a team for the upcoming season.
In an interview with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Brendan Kuty on Friday, Rizzo shared his thoughts about not being signed as spring training begins. When asked if retirement was on his mind, Rizzo admitted he still feels he has something to offer, but he also recognizes the reality that he might not get the opportunity he’s hoping for.
- Anthony Rizzo “
I’ve definitely thought about it,” Rizzo said. “I think I have a lot to give to the game still. But at the same time, if teams are not going to want to pay a few million dollars for veterans, I’ve seen it the last 10 years of my career. It’s what happens to the older guys. They kind of get squeezed. You’ve seen it happen more and more. I’m not naive to it. It could be it.”
In recent years, Rizzo has struggled with injuries, limiting him to fewer than 100 games in each of the past two seasons. His health issues have also impacted his performance at the plate. In 2024, he posted career lows, hitting .228 with 8 home runs, 35 RBIs, and an OPS of .673—his worst stats since his rookie season. Rizzo, who was once a regular NL MVP contender with the Chicago Cubs, is now well past his prime years.
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