Anthony Rizzo, one of the most beloved first basemen of the past decade, has decided to officially call it a career. After going unsigned following the 2024 Major League Baseball season, he’s stepping away from the game for good.
Chicago Cubs fans adored him, and players across the league respected his leadership and consistency. Rizzo’s legacy stretches from his debut with the San Diego Padres in 2011 to his final at-bats in a Yankees uniform.
The Cubs, where he became a franchise icon, will honor their former captain with a special pregame ceremony at Wrigley Field. That’ll happen ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays.
A Career Spanning 14 Remarkable Seasons
Rizzo’s professional journey started in 2007 when the Boston Red Sox picked him in the sixth round of the MLB Draft. His debut came with the Padres in 2011, but the real turning point was his 2012 trade to the Cubs.
Over the next nine seasons in Chicago, he became the heart of the lineup and the clubhouse. From 2014 to 2016, Rizzo made three straight All-Star teams, earning his spot among baseball’s best.
His leadership and clutch hitting helped Chicago win that historic 2016 World Series championship. Cubs fans will never forget how he helped end a 108-year drought.
From Chicago to the Bronx
Rizzo’s time with the Cubs ended in July 2021 when he was traded to the New York Yankees. He wasn’t in the North Side spotlight anymore, but he still made a difference for the Bronx Bombers.
His best season in pinstripes came in 2022. That year, he hit 32 home runs and posted a .224/.338/.480 slash line over 130 games.
Even as his bat cooled at times, his defense at first base stayed top-notch. The Yankees valued his steady glove and power.
The Final Years Marred by Injury
Rizzo’s last two seasons were rough, with injuries constantly interrupting his rhythm. In 2023, he struggled with post-concussion syndrome and missed a big chunk of the season.
The next year, he broke his arm and fractured several fingers, which kept him off the field again. Still, he fought back and returned late in 2024 to help the Yankees reach both the American League Championship Series and the World Series.
Decision to Retire
After the Yankees’ postseason run, the team declined Rizzo’s $17 million option for 2025. Without contract offers that matched what he wanted, the 36-year-old chose retirement, ending a 14-year MLB career across three franchises.
Career By the Numbers
Anthony Rizzo walks away from baseball with a résumé that deserves Hall of Fame discussion. His career totals include:
- 14 MLB seasons and 1,727 games played
- 303 home runs
- Lifetime .261 batting average
- .361 on-base percentage
- .467 slugging percentage
- Three All-Star selections (2014, 2015, 2016)
- 2016 World Series Champion with the Chicago Cubs
Beyond the numbers, Rizzo earned admiration for his work off the field. Through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, he supported cancer research and families affected by the disease—a cause close to his heart after his own battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a young player.
A Fitting Farewell
The Cubs’ decision to celebrate Rizzo at Wrigley Field this weekend really says it all. Not many players in today’s game become as intertwined with a city as Rizzo was with Chicago’s North Side.
Legacy Beyond the Diamond
For Cubs fans, Anthony Rizzo stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and championship glory. Across the rest of baseball, he always seemed like the consummate professional — someone who mixed skill with relentless dedication to his team.
When cheers echo through Wrigley one last time, Rizzo’s legacy won’t just live in statistics. It’s in those unforgettable moments that really defined an era.
Now retired, Rizzo can walk away knowing he gave everything he had. Fans in Chicago, New York, and honestly all over the baseball world will celebrate his career for years.
The game just felt better with him around — and maybe his impact will stick around a lot longer than we expect.
Here is the source article for this story: Anthony Rizzo Announces MLB Retirement, Will Be Honored by Cubs at Wrigley Field
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