With MLB Spring Training in full swing, unsigned free agents are facing an increasing chance of missing out on an Opening Day roster. Among them is 2016 World Series champion and three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo.
After spending parts of four seasons with the New York Yankees—who acquired him in a trade with the Chicago Cubs in 2021—Rizzo struggled in 2024, recording an 81 OPS+ over 375 plate appearances, marking his second consecutive season as a below-average hitter. As a result, the Yankees declined his $17 million team option for 2025, a move that could push the four-time Gold Glove winner toward retirement.
In an interview with The Athletic published on Friday, Rizzo acknowledged that he is considering walking away from the game.
“I’ve definitely thought about it,” Rizzo said regarding retirement. “I believe I still have a lot to offer, but at the same time, if teams aren’t willing to pay a few million for veterans, I’ve seen how this plays out. It’s happened throughout my career—older guys get squeezed out. It’s becoming more common. I’m not naive to it. This could be it.”
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Rizzo’s realization comes amid reports that his free agency may have simply been delayed due to the prolonged decision of New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. Earlier this month, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal noted that players like Rizzo were waiting for Alonso’s choice before gaining clarity on their own market.
“A number of free-agent hitters are on hold while waiting for Alonso and Bregman to make their decisions,” Rosenthal reported on Feb. 4. “Among them: Justin Turner, Yoan Moncada, Randal Grichuk, and Ty France. The available hitters also include Harrison Bader, Mark Canha, David Peralta, Tommy Pham, and Anthony Rizzo.”
With Alonso ultimately re-signing with the Mets, that potential landing spot for Rizzo disappeared. However, it now appears that Rizzo’s market may not have just been delayed—it may not have existed at all.
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Before 2023, Rizzo had posted an OPS+ below 100 only once in his MLB career, which occurred during his first 49 games with the San Diego Padres in 2011. For more than a decade following that season, the left-handed slugger established himself as one of the league’s top two-way first basemen.
