The New York Yankees have announced that they have declined their 2025 club option for veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The 35-year-old would have made $17 million in 2025 if New York picked up the option. Because the team opted to decline, they’ll be charged a $6 million buyout.
Yankees Decline Veteran First Baseman’s 2025 Option
The Yankees have declined their 2025 club option for INF Anthony Rizzo.
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) November 2, 2024
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the end for Rizzo in the Bronx. They may bring him back on a shorter and less lucrative deal for 2025. But there’s also the chance that the Yankees move on from him as well. Rizzo struggled mightily this past season, and that’s just when he was healthy; suffering a long-term concussion in ’23 and fracturing both his forearm and fingers this season, it appears that the end may be near for the beloved first baseman.
Tough Breaks
Acquired from the Cubs during the 2021 season, Rizzo’s four seasons with the Yankees have been a mixed bag; the lefty slugged 32 home runs in 2022 and has never ceased playing excellent defense. Unfortunately, perhaps because he couldn’t stay healthy these past two years, he became more of a liability at the plate than a threat. In 92 games this season, Rizzo hit .228/.301/.335 with just 8 homers and 35 RBIs, accumulating a bWAR of 0.2. It makes sense why the Yankees wouldn’t want to bring him back on a $17 million deal with those numbers.
Other Options
As for who will take the reins at first base if Rizzo doesn’t resign, the Yankees could turn to free agency: Christian Walker, Pete Alonso, or even Paul Goldschmidt are all viable options in a loaded first base free agency class. However, depending on how much the Yankees spend signing (or resigning) other players, they may want to look internally for a first base solution. Their current options include Ben Rice, Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, and TJ Rumfield. Rice and Rumfield are both youngsters with hitting potential, so there may be a battle for the spot between them in Spring Training. Cabrera is an option, but he isn’t a natural first baseman. As for LeMahieu, well, it’s safe to say that he would be the last resort after an abysmal campaign in 2024.
End Of An Era
No matter what the Yankees decide to do at first, things will be different if Rizzo doesn’t return next season. The veteran was a massive presence in the clubhouse, not to mention one of Aaron Judge’s closest teammates. Rizzo may have one more shot in the Bronx, but it doesn’t look like the Yankees want to take that route unless it’s cheap.
Main Photo Credits: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
