Yankees let Anthony Rizzo go, Austin Wells ‘can’t even believe it’

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The New York Yankees have opted not to pick up Anthony Rizzo‘s $17 million contract option for 2025, instead choosing to buy out the veteran first baseman for $6 million. This move signals the end of Rizzo’s tenure with the Yankees, which began when he signed a two-year, $34 million contract in November 2022.

Rizzo, 35, dealt with significant health challenges throughout 2024 but has expressed a desire to continue playing. His season was marked by struggles at the plate, finishing with a .637 OPS over 92 games. The decision indicates that the Yankees determined the additional $11 million above the buyout cost was not justifiable. In-house candidates for first base include Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, and Ben Rice, though the team is expected to explore further options in the market.

Catcher Austin Wells spoke highly of Rizzo during the postseason, commending his ability to play through pain, particularly noting his perseverance despite breaking two bones in his hand. Wells lauded Rizzo’s grit and character in facing adversity.

“I can’t even believe it, to be honest with you,” the catcher said about the decision. “It’s a pretty incredible thing to have two broken bones in your hand and go out there and do what he’s been able to do. I think it just shows how tough he is, and the character that he has.”

Rizzo’s 2024 campaign ended with a .228/.301/.335 batting line, featuring 12 doubles, eight home runs, and 35 RBIs, along with 27 walks. This followed a difficult 2023 season plagued by injuries, including neck and elbow issues, and a concussion that cut his season short in early August after 99 games.

Anthony Rizzo’s career boasts notable achievements, including three All-Star nods from 2014 to 2016 and four Gold Glove Awards from 2016 to 2020. Despite recent setbacks, the veteran first baseman has made clear his intention to play in 2025.

Rizzo’s bond with Aaron Judge and his leadership presence in the Yankees’ clubhouse could factor into potential discussions, but many industry analysts believe a return is unlikely. His popularity since joining the team in a midseason 2021 trade may not be enough to prompt renewed interest from the front office.

A deeper look at Rizzo’s performance over his full seasons in New York highlights a concerning decline. He posted a .231/.324/.406 slash line across that span, and among first basemen with at least 750 plate appearances, his 106 wRC+ ranks 19th out of 27, signaling below-average offensive production for his position.

The Yankees struggled with first base production, ranking last in MLB with a .619 OPS at the position. This lackluster output likely influenced the team’s decision to move on from Rizzo as they sought stronger contributions.

Several potential replacements are available in free agency, presenting the Yankees with younger and more powerful alternatives. Notable options include Pete Alonso, Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt, Rhys Hoskins, and Carlos Santana, all of whom could offer the upgrade the Yankees need.

Rizzo wanted to stay with Yankees

After Game 5 of the World Series, Anthony Rizzo reflected on his three-and-a-half-year tenure with the Yankees, sharing heartfelt appreciation for the “unique privilege” of wearing the storied pinstripes. He described his time with the Yankees as an honor he wished every ballplayer could experience and wanted to stay in the Bronx.

Throughout the postseason, Rizzo was candid about his uncertain future with the team, acknowledging that his time in New York could be nearing its end. Despite this, he had consistently expressed a desire to finish his career with the Yankees, speaking often about his respect for the club’s rich traditions and the high standards set by past generations of players.

Rizzo’s last full season with the Yankees—following his 2021 midseason trade from the Cubs—was marred by injuries, limiting him to 92 games. He suffered a fractured right forearm in June after a collision at Fenway Park with Red Sox pitcher Brennan Bernardino, which kept him sidelined until September. Adding to his struggles, he fractured two fingers on his right hand after being hit by a pitch from Pirates pitcher Ryan Borucki in the season’s second-to-last game. 

As Rizzo navigates his next steps, he remains hopeful but realistic about his future, leaving the door open for whatever lies ahead.

Despite sitting out the American League Division Series against the Royals due to injury, Anthony Rizzo made an impressive return for the final two playoff rounds. His postseason showing surpassed manager Aaron Boone’s expectations, with Rizzo batting .267 (8-for-30), hitting one double, and drawing six walks over 10 games.

The Yankees have struggled to solidify the first base position since Mark Teixeira’s retirement in 2016. Data shows that, since then, Yankees first basemen have posted the lowest collective batting average (.235) and the third-worst OPS (.733) in Major League Baseball, underscoring the need for an upgrade through trades or free agency.

Internal options to fill the role remain limited. The team could look to left-handed prospect Ben Rice, who stepped in during Rizzo’s absence with a forearm injury or turn to DJ LeMahieu, who is under contract for two more years at $15 million annually.

Rizzo’s postseason contributions, including a .721 OPS over 10 games despite lingering injuries, may bolster his appeal as he aims to prove his value to potential new teams.

However, his power production raises concerns. Rizzo’s last home run of the 2024 season came on June 13, marking the start of a prolonged power drought that continued through the postseason.

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