Former Red Sox Draft Pick Retires After 14-Season MLB Career

Anthony Rizzo, one of the most beloved figures in modern baseball, has called time on his 14-season MLB career. The three-time All-Star, famous for his bat, glove, and leadership, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

He made his name with the Chicago Cubs, where he became a hero, and finished out his playing days with the New York Yankees. Rizzo leaves behind not just impressive stats, but a legacy of professionalism and charity that’s honestly tough to match.

From Boston Draft Pick to Chicago Icon

Rizzo’s baseball story started when the Boston Red Sox picked him in the sixth round of the 2007 MLB Draft. He never got a shot at the big leagues with Boston, but it set everything in motion.

He landed with the San Diego Padres in a trade, finally tasting Major League action. But it was the move to Chicago in 2012 that turned his career on its head.

Becoming the Face of the Cubs

With the Cubs, Rizzo grew into one of the best first basemen around. He flashed smooth defense, steady power, and a knack for showing up in big moments.

For nearly a decade, he anchored Chicago’s lineup and became a clubhouse leader. Fans loved him, and honestly, it’s easy to see why.

Everything peaked in 2016. Rizzo helped the Cubs finally break their 108-year championship drought, coming up big in the postseason. That World Series title put him right up there with legends like Ernie Banks and Ryne Sandberg.

Yankees Tenure and Final Seasons

In 2021, Rizzo headed to the New York Yankees. His left-handed swing was made for Yankee Stadium’s short porch.

He had a strong 2022—cranked out 32 home runs and put up a .224/.338/.480 line. He played a key role in the Yankees’ playoff push that year.

Injuries Take Their Toll

But the last two seasons weren’t kind. Injuries kept piling up, and between 2023 and 2024, he played just 191 games.

In 2024, as the Yankees made a World Series run, Rizzo broke his arm and fractured fingers. He did make it back late in the year, but barely saw action in the playoffs.

After the Yankees declined his $17 million contract option at the end of 2024, Rizzo decided it was time. Fourteen years at the top is no small feat.

Career Numbers and Accolades

Rizzo’s stats stack up well:

• Batting average: .261
• Home runs: 303
• RBIs: 965
• Gold Gloves: 4
• Silver Slugger Award: 1
• Roberto Clemente Award: 1
• 2016 World Series Champion

Impact Beyond the Diamond

Rizzo’s influence went way beyond baseball stats. He won the Roberto Clemente Award, thanks to his work in the community.

He poured his energy into helping pediatric cancer patients, a cause that matters deeply to him after beating Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a minor leaguer.

A Fitting Farewell at Wrigley Field

The Chicago Cubs will honor Rizzo before Saturday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Wrigley Field. Fans will get their chance to thank the guy who brought them a title and years of steady greatness.

A Career Worth Celebrating

Rizzo leaves the game after achieving the dream of so many aspiring players—championship glory and personal accolades. He’s earned the admiration of teammates, opponents, and fans alike.

His career shows us that baseball greatness isn’t just about numbers. It’s also about lasting relationships and making a real impact in the community.

In Cubs history, Anthony Rizzo’s name stands tall. For Yankee fans, his clutch bat and steady glove brought some unforgettable moments, even when things got tough.

Now, as Rizzo steps into the next chapter of his life, Major League Baseball says goodbye to one of its most respected figures of the past decade and a half. Hard not to wonder what he’ll do next, right?

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Here is the source article for this story: Former Red Sox Draft Pick Retiring After 14 Seasons