With spring training games underway, 35-year-old Anthony Rizzo remains a free agent. While he’s healthy and eager to continue playing, the reality of his career’s possible end looms. Despite dealing with injury-plagued seasons and a decline in offensive production over the past two years, Rizzo is determined not to go out on that note. The real question is: Can he still contribute at a high level? And will a team offer him the contract he feels reflects his skill and past accomplishments?
“I’ve definitely thought about it. I think I have a lot to give to the game still,” Rizzo said to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Brendan Kuty.
“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.”
Anthony Rizzo Free Agency Dilemma
Rizzo became a free agent when the New York Yankees declined his $17 million option, opting for a $6 million buyout. The Yankees replaced him by signing 37-year-old Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million contract. He’s not the only veteran without a job this offseason. Alex Verdugo and José Iglesias are among the position players still on the market, while pitchers like José Quintana, Kyle Gibson, and Lance Lynn, as well as relievers Craig Kimbrel, David Robertson and Phil Maton, remain unsigned.
Rizzo’s immediate concern is where he’ll land for the 2025 season, especially with his wife, Emily, expecting their first child in June. Given the timing, Rizzo has made it clear that if the financial terms aren’t right, signing with a non-contender and facing the possibility of being traded in July is something he’d rather avoid.
“The fact that teams want you to play for basically league minimum ($760,000), I’m like, you guys are crazy. You’re almost trying to ruin the market for the next guy.”
Injury-Plagued Seasons
Rizzo’s injuries over the past two seasons were mostly the result of unfortunate, uncontrollable incidents. He sustained a concussion from a collision at first base, a fractured right forearm from another collision while running out on a ball and two broken knuckles in his right hand after being hit by a pitch.
Despite missing significant time, Rizzo posted a .228/.301/.35 slash line (81 OPS+) in 92 games for the Yankees last season, with eight home runs. In 2022, he hit 32 home runs and posted a 130 OPS+, showing he isn’t far removed from being a productive bat.
However, there likely aren’t many contending teams with a glaring need for a left-handed bat like Rizzo’s. His skill set is limited enough that he might be viewed as deadweight on most rosters. Still, if an extra spot were available, his pedigree and postseason experience could make him an appealing option for a team looking for depth.
Main Photo: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
