As Spring Training gets underway, veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo remains without a team. The 35-year-old spoke with The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Brendan Kuty, expressing his desire to continue playing but acknowledging the underwhelming interest from teams.
Rizzo admitted that his recent performance and injuries might have contributed to his current free-agency status. However, he was surprised that some teams were only willing to offer him contracts close to the league minimum, which he felt could negatively impact the market for other veteran players.
Anthony Rizzo Remains Determined Despite Market Challenges and Injury-Related Setbacks
Despite the lack of interest, Rizzo remains committed to preparing for the season. He stated that he would continue training even after the season starts in hopes of an opportunity. However, he also recognized the ongoing trend of teams undervaluing aging hitters, making it difficult for veterans to secure meaningful contracts.
While he believes he still has much to contribute, he is not naïve about the industry’s shift away from older players, acknowledging that his career could be nearing its end if a suitable offer does not come his way.
Anthony Rizzo (MLB)Rizzo’s struggles in the market can be attributed to injuries that have significantly impacted his performance. After being acquired by the Yankees in 2021, he re-signed with the team on a two-year, $40 million deal following the 2022 season. However, his 2023 campaign was derailed by a concussion sustained in a collision with Fernando Tatis Jr. in late May.
The effects of the injury lingered, causing a major dip in his production until the Yankees placed him on the injured list in August with post-concussion syndrome. This injury ultimately ended his season.
Anthony Rizzo Faces Uncertainty After Injuries and Yankees’ Contract Buyout Decision
Rizzo returned for the following season but struggled to regain his form. He started slowly at the plate, and another freak injury further disrupted his year. In June, he collided with Red Sox pitcher Brennan Bernardino at first base, breaking a bone in his right arm.
Just as he was making his way back, another injury struck when he was hit by a pitch from Pittsburgh’s Ryan Borucki, breaking two fingers. Despite returning for the playoffs, he had limited success at the plate, reaching base at a .421 clip but managing just one extra-base hit in the postseason.
Following his injury-plagued seasons, the Yankees opted to buy out Rizzo’s contract for $6 million instead of exercising his $17 million club option. Since then, no teams have been publicly linked to him. While analysts have speculated potential landing spots, no concrete offers have emerged. With Spring Training underway, Rizzo’s future in Major League Baseball remains uncertain, as teams appear hesitant to take a chance on the former All-Star.
