Anthony Rizzo’s time with the New York Yankees has come to an end as the team declined his contract option for the 2025 season. Rizzo, who joined the Yankees in 2021 with hopes of winning a championship, leaves without a ring after battling injuries over the past two years.
During his time in the Bronx, Rizzo played in only 191 out of a possible 324 regular-season games, hitting 20 home runs and 76 RBI with a .673 OPS. Despite a strong first season in 2022 where he hit 32 home runs, his performance declined due to injuries.
With Rizzo’s departure, the Yankees now face the task of finding a new franchise first baseman. This adds to their offseason to-do list, which includes addressing Juan Soto’s future with the team and deciding whether to extend Gerrit Cole’s contract.
Rizzo himself seemed to anticipate his exit from the Yankees, acknowledging before the World Series that the team might not pick up his contract option. Despite the disappointment of not winning a championship during his time in New York, Rizzo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to wear the pinstripes.
As the Yankees look ahead to the offseason, they will have to make decisions that will shape the future of the team. While Rizzo’s time with the Yankees may have come to an end, his contributions and presence will be remembered by fans and teammates alike.
