Veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo is officially parting ways with the New York Yankees after the club declined his $17 million option for the 2025 season.
Instead, the team opted to pay a $6 million buyout, ending Rizzo’s three-year tenure in the Bronx. The decision comes after a sharp decline in performance and ongoing uncertainty surrounding Rizzo’s future in Major League Baseball.
Rizzo, 35, endured one of the worst seasons of his career in 2024, hitting just .228 with eight home runs and an OPS+ of 82 across 92 games. Once regarded as a defensive standout, his play in the field also slipped, raising further concerns about his value going forward. The struggles were enough for the Yankees to move on from the three-time All-Star as they look to reshape their infield and invest in younger talent.
The move was not entirely unexpected. Rizzo had expressed during the offseason that while he still wanted to play, he wasn’t willing to accept a lowball contract just to stay in the league.
He also voiced concerns about the shrinking market for aging veterans, noting that he didn’t want to devalue others by accepting minimum-salary deals. Still, his departure marks the end of an era for a player once viewed as a clubhouse leader and veteran presence.
Rizzo originally joined the Yankees in 2021 in a trade from the Chicago Cubs, bringing with him a reputation as a consistent hitter and Gold Glove-caliber first baseman. He made an immediate impact, helping the Yankees in their playoff pushes and serving as a reliable figure in the middle of the lineup. However, injuries and declining production in recent seasons eventually diminished his role.
With Rizzo now a free agent, speculation has begun regarding his next destination. The Boston Red Sox have emerged as a possible landing spot following Triston Casas’ season-ending injury.
Given Rizzo’s experience and the hitter-friendly dimensions of Fenway Park, some analysts believe he could be a viable short-term solution. His return to the organization that originally drafted him in 2007 would be a full-circle moment in his career.
As for the Yankees, they are expected to explore other first base options via trade or internal development. The departure of Rizzo opens up both salary space and an opportunity to build toward the future. While his time in pinstripes ends on a disappointing note, Rizzo’s impact—especially in the early stages of his Yankees career—won’t be forgotten by fans or teammates.
