Anthony Rizzo – New York Yankees Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Anthony Rizzo has become a familiar name in baseball since he broke into the MLB. He was born in Parkland, Florida, on August 8, 1989.

As a first baseman, he’s built a career that stretches across several teams and includes championships. His journey started as a sixth-round draft pick by the Boston Red Sox in 2007 and led to a World Series ring with the Chicago Cubs—a pretty wild ride, honestly.

By 2024, Anthony Rizzo’s net worth has hit around $27 million, according to celebrity wealth trackers. He owes much of that to big MLB contracts, like the two-year, $40 million deal he signed with the New York Yankees in November 2022.

Before he joined the Yankees, Rizzo wrapped up a seven-year, $41 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, which paid him $16.5 million for the 2021 season.

But Rizzo brings more to the table than just stats and defense. Fans and teammates call him “Tony,” and he’s become a leader on and off the field.

He keeps performing at first base and stays involved in the community, making him one of the sport’s most respected guys. At 35, Rizzo still plays a big role for the Yankees in Major League Baseball.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Anthony Rizzo’s path to the big leagues started in Florida and took off during his high school days.

Background and Family

Anthony Vincent Rizzo entered the world on August 8, 1989, in Parkland, Florida. He grew up in a close Italian-American family that shaped his character and work ethic.

His parents, John and Laurie Rizzo, always had his back. Rizzo fell in love with baseball early, often playing with his older brother, John.

His brother also played baseball competitively. The Rizzo family put a strong emphasis on both sports and school.

Growing up in South Florida meant he could play baseball all year, so he kept working on his game through every season.

High School Achievements

At Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Rizzo quickly stood out. In his senior year, he posted a .468 batting average, which is just ridiculous.

He pitched and played first base, but his offense and defense at first really set him up for the pros. Scouts noticed his power and smooth left-handed swing.

He also took on the role of team captain, showing leadership early. Rizzo helped push his team to regional success and earned a spot among Florida’s top prep baseball talents.

Becoming a Top Prospect

Rizzo’s high school and showcase performances grabbed the attention of Major League scouts. The Boston Red Sox picked him in the 6th round of the 2007 MLB Draft, giving him a choice between pro ball and college.

He decided to sign with the Red Sox and started his pro career in their minor league system. Rizzo impressed early in rookie ball, showing more power and plate discipline than most guys his age.

In 2008, he got hit with a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis. He went through treatment, beat cancer, and came back to baseball with a new fire.

By 2010, Rizzo had reached Double-A in the minors, putting himself firmly on the radar as a top prospect. He was getting closer to his MLB debut.

Professional Baseball Career

Anthony Rizzo’s pro baseball story includes several teams and some major achievements that have shaped his legacy. He’s gone from promising prospect to World Series champ, with stops in Boston, San Diego, Chicago, and New York.

MLB Debut and Early Years

Rizzo’s pro journey started when the Boston Red Sox drafted him in the sixth round in 2007. He moved up quickly in their farm system until the Red Sox traded him to the San Diego Padres in the Adrian Gonzalez deal in December 2010.

He put up strong numbers in Triple-A and then made his big league debut with the Padres on June 9, 2011. It wasn’t easy at first—he hit just .141 with one home run in 49 games.

The Padres traded him to the Chicago Cubs in January 2012, reuniting him with Jed Hoyer and Theo Epstein, who had drafted him in Boston. That move really changed everything for Rizzo and the Cubs.

Chicago Cubs Era

Rizzo’s time with the Chicago Cubs turned him from a prospect into a superstar. He went back to Triple-A for a bit, then returned to the majors in June 2012 and quickly locked down first base.

From 2014 to 2019, Rizzo hit at least 23 homers every season and played Gold Glove-level defense. He picked up three All-Star selections (2014, 2015, 2016) and multiple Gold Gloves.

The absolute highlight? In 2016, Rizzo helped the Cubs finally win a World Series after 108 years. His leadership, alongside guys like Kris Bryant and Kyle Hendricks, was crucial in that historic run.

By 2021, as the Cubs started breaking up their core to save money, they traded Rizzo to the Yankees at the deadline. That move closed out a huge chapter in Chicago baseball.

New York Yankees and Recent Seasons

Rizzo landed with the New York Yankees in July 2021, bringing lefty power and solid defense. After the 2021 season, he hit free agency but came back to the Yankees on a two-year, $32 million deal in March 2022.

His first full year in New York was a big one—Rizzo hit 32 home runs, his most since 2017. He became a strong left-handed bat next to Aaron Judge and kept up his high-level defense.

After a solid 2022, Rizzo signed a new $40 million contract for 2023-2025. His net worth now sits at about $27 million, thanks to success with multiple teams.

He’s dealt with some injuries lately, but when healthy, Rizzo still leads and produces for the Yankees.

Contracts and Transactions

Anthony Rizzo’s financial path in MLB has included some big contracts and key moves between teams. His market value has changed over time, making his contract history pretty interesting.

Notable Contracts and Extensions

Rizzo started with smaller pre-arbitration salaries before landing bigger deals. In 2013, he signed his first major contract with the Cubs—a 7-year, $41 million extension that included two club options.

That deal turned out to be a huge win for the Cubs as Rizzo became an All-Star and helped them win the 2016 World Series. After leaving Chicago, his value jumped.

He joined the Yankees and signed a 2-year, $32 million contract for 2022-2023. Then he got an even bigger deal—$40 million over two years for 2023-2025.

This latest contract included a $17 million club option for 2025, with a $6 million buyout.

Free Agency Moves

Rizzo’s free agency journey has had some twists. After the Cubs traded him to the Yankees in 2021, he tested free agency but ended up returning to New York more than once.

His first Yankees free agent deal came in March 2022—a two-year contract with an opt-out after the first year. After a strong 2022 where he hit 32 home runs, Rizzo used that opt-out.

The Yankees brought him back with a better $40 million contract. Recently, the Yankees declined his $17 million club option for 2025, so he’s a free agent again with a $6 million buyout.

Team Payroll Impacts

Rizzo’s contracts have affected team payrolls in different ways. With the Cubs, his extension was a bargain, letting them spend elsewhere while getting All-Star production at first base.

For the Yankees, Rizzo’s deals have been bigger investments. His $20 million annual salary puts him among the highest-paid first basemen and makes up a big chunk of the Yankees’ payroll.

By declining his 2025 option, the Yankees free up $11 million ($17M option minus $6M buyout). That gives them more flexibility and maybe opens the door to a new deal with Rizzo that fits his current market value.

Net Worth and Financial Achievements

Anthony Rizzo has built real wealth through baseball, branching out into other ventures and staying committed to giving back.

Salary and Endorsements

Rizzo’s net worth sits at about $27 million as of 2025. Most of that comes from his MLB contracts, especially his current $40 million deal with the Yankees (2023-2025), which pays him roughly $20 million a year.

Before that, he had a $32 million contract from 2022-2023, bringing in $16 million per season. These deals mark the peak of his earnings after working his way up from smaller contracts.

Rizzo also has endorsement deals with sports equipment brands and other companies, but he keeps those details pretty quiet.

Investments and Business Ventures

Rizzo doesn’t talk much about his investments, but experts think he follows the athlete playbook: real estate, stocks, maybe some private businesses.

He lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, so he probably owns property there. Like a lot of players, he likely works with financial advisors to make his money last long after his playing days.

He’s also built his brand as a respected MLB vet and World Series champ, which probably opens doors for him off the field.

Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility

The Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation is at the heart of his charity work. After beating Hodgkin’s lymphoma himself, Rizzo set up the foundation to support cancer research and help families fighting the disease.

They host annual events like “Cook-Off for Cancer” and “Walk-Off for Cancer,” raising millions for pediatric cancer research and family support.

Rizzo earned the Roberto Clemente Award in 2017 for his work off the field—one of baseball’s top honors for character and community involvement.

He doesn’t stop with his own foundation. Rizzo regularly visits hospitals, especially in Chicago and New York, to lift the spirits of kids battling tough illnesses.

Personal Life and Off-Field Impact

Anthony Rizzo’s reputation goes well beyond baseball. He’s become one of MLB’s most impactful players thanks to his charity work and presence in the community.

Charitable Work and Community Involvement

Back in 2012, Rizzo started the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. He drew inspiration from his own fight with Hodgkin’s lymphoma at just 18.

The foundation has pulled in millions for cancer research and gives real support to families facing the disease. His annual “Cook-Off for Cancer” event turned into a big deal in Chicago.

At its peak, the event raised over $1.3 million in a single night. While he played for the Cubs, Rizzo would often visit Lurie Children’s Hospital.

He built genuine relationships with young patients there. After the Yankees traded for him in 2021, Rizzo didn’t just forget Chicago.

He kept showing up for the city and expanded his foundation’s work to New York. Instead of just handing out checks, his foundation creates programs that stick around and actually help people over the long run.

Advocacy and Environmental Initiatives

Rizzo uses his platform to speak up for environmental issues. He’s teamed up with MLB Green to push for greener practices in baseball stadiums.

He joined the league’s “Players for the Planet” initiative, which aims to cut down plastic waste at ballparks. In 2019, he got behind the Yankees’ climate change awareness campaign.

He played a part in installing solar panels at Yankee Stadium, showing the team’s effort to shrink its carbon footprint. Rizzo also talks about sustainable living on his social media.

He encourages fans to try making more eco-friendly choices. His advocacy even goes further—he helps run equipment recycling programs.

Rizzo collects used baseball gear and gets it to youth leagues that need it. For him, it’s a way to help the sport grow and make sure less stuff ends up in landfills.

Public Image and Legacy

People know Rizzo for his approachable vibe, and honestly, he’s built one of baseball’s most positive public images. Even with his estimated $27 million net worth as of 2024, fans and teammates keep calling him genuine, humble, and just plain real.

He’s earned respect across the league because of his leadership. When the Cubs made their wild 2016 World Series run, Rizzo’s calm presence in the clubhouse helped the team stay focused when things got tense.

When he shows up in the media, you can tell he’s got a pretty balanced view of baseball—and life outside the game, too. He’s talked openly about his cancer journey, and that’s inspired so many survivors out there.

In 2017, MLB gave him the Roberto Clemente Award for his sportsmanship and community work, which honestly feels well deserved.

Rizzo married Emily Vakos in 2018, but they mostly keep their family life out of the spotlight. Every now and then, though, he shares a peek at their relationship on social media, and fans seem to love it.