Anthony Rizzo Declines Yankees’ $17M Club Option, Becomes Free Agent
Introduction
Matthew Santipour
The New York Yankees have announced they will not exercise Anthony Rizzo’s $17 million club option for the 2025 season, making the veteran first baseman a free agent. As the Yankees move forward, they must decide how to fill Rizzo’s position while maintaining their competitive edge in the American League.
The Decision to Not Exercise the Option
The Yankees will pay Rizzo a $6 million buyout for the 2024 season. This decision comes after Rizzo signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the team option in November 2022. While the buyout ensures Rizzo remains a wealthy man, the Yankees will need to find a worthy replacement for Rizzo’s productive career in Pinstripes.
Anthony Rizzo’s Career With the Yankees
Anthony Rizzo has been a consistent and reliable player for the Yankees since joining them in July 2021. Despite facing multiple injuries, including post-concussion syndrome and a fractured forearm, Rizzo has contributed significantly to the team’s success. In his first full season with the Yankees, he slashed .234/.326/.409 with 60 home runs over three-plus injury-plagued seasons.
Rizzo’s inability to play a full season in 2023 due to injury was a significant setback for the Yankees. After returning for the American League Division Series, he missed the American League Division Series due to breaking his right hand when hit by a pitch. Despite this, he played a vital role in the Yankees’ World Series appearances, going 8-for-30 (.267) with a .721 OPS in the Fall Classic.
Rizzo’s Impact in Yankeeland
Rizzo’s love for the Yankees’ historic franchise is evident from his quotes. After the Yankees’ season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, he shared his feelings about wearing the Yankees’ uniform: "To wear this jersey is something special that I wish every baseball player gets to feel because it’s a different feeling wearing this jersey. And I loved every second of it."
The Yankees’ Move Forward
The Yankees exercised the $2 million option on closer Luke Weaver’s contract this past Friday. This move signals their commitment to reign in the bullpen, which was a notable weakness during the 2023 season. However, the future of Rizzo’s position remains murky until the team can identify and attract a suitable replacement.
Final Thoughts
While the decision to not exercise Rizzo’s club option provides the Yankees with some financial breathing room, finding a worthy replacement will be a significant challenge. Rizzo’s influence on the club in recent seasons cannot be easily replicated, and the Yankees’ front office will need to determine if they can find a similar impact player to fill his shoes.
Stay tuned for further developments in this ongoing saga and be sure to revisit our dedicated Yankees coverage for the latest news and analysis.
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