Former Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who officially retired from Major League Baseball in 2025, is now contemplating a return to competitive play by joining Team Italy for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Rizzo concluded his 14-season MLB career with 1,644 hits, 303 home runs, and 965 RBIs, highlighted by a .261 batting average, .361 on-base percentage, and .828 OPS. He was a central figure in the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship, earning three All-Star selections, four Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger, and cementing his status as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Although Rizzo finished his playing career with the New York Yankees, he retired officially as a member of the Cubs, who honored him with a special ceremony at Wrigley Field in September 2025. He will continue his affiliation with the team as a club ambassador.
Rizzo previously represented Team Italy in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, helping the squad advance to the second round. The invitation to return in 2026 offers him an opportunity to compete internationally, honor his heritage, and mentor the next generation of Italian players.
Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007, Rizzo debuted with the San Diego Padres in 2011 before being traded to the Cubs, where he became a cornerstone of their championship run. He concluded his MLB tenure with the Yankees in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, skill, and professionalism.
Rizzo has yet to make a final decision regarding his participation in the WBC, leaving open the possibility of an international comeback after a brief retirement.
