Anthony Rizzo is just 35 years old, yet he’s still waiting for a team to pick him up as spring training begins. He’s excited to play but knows that his career might not last much longer.
In a recent interview, Rizzo shared, “I feel like I still have a lot to give to the game.” As a three-time All-Star with four Gold Glove awards, he’s not ready to hang up his cleats just yet. However, he acknowledges that teams are often hesitant to invest in veteran players. “It’s challenging for older guys. I’ve seen it happen over the years,” Rizzo reflected.
After a successful 14-year career, Rizzo became a free agent when the New York Yankees opted not to exercise his $17 million contract. Instead, they paid him a $6 million buyout, bringing his career earnings to around $127.6 million. The Yankees then signed Paul Goldschmidt, who is 37, to a $12.5 million deal.
Goldschmidt may not have performed as well in recent seasons, but he remained a consistent presence in the lineup. Rizzo, on the other hand, faced injuries in the last two years, which have impacted his market value. “Teams want you to play for close to league minimum, and that’s just not fair to the next generation,” he stated.
Rizzo’s injuries were difficult to manage. He suffered a concussion during a collision, broke his forearm, and had two broken fingers from getting hit by a pitch. The last injury kept him out of the Division Series, although he returned for the ALCS after undergoing various treatments to prepare for games.
“I was doing everything I could to get my hand ready,” Rizzo explained. It was worth the effort, as he batted .267 with a .721 OPS in the playoffs, despite the challenges he faced.
His teammates still remember him fondly. Jazz Chisholm Jr., an infielder, said, “Rizz is a fantastic guy. He’s down-to-earth and really lifts everyone’s spirits.” Oswaldo Cabrera also valued Rizzo’s leadership, recalling how Rizzo helped him adjust to the big leagues. “Without him here, we miss him a lot,” Cabrera added.
Rizzo cannot escape the memory of a crucial play in Game 5 of the World Series, which turned the tide in a dramatic fashion. He recalls how he played the ball, saying, “I’d do it the same way a hundred times. The spin made it tricky. That’s baseball.”
Now, Rizzo is focused on his future and where he might play next season. He’s also preparing for a big personal milestone, as his wife, Emily, is due to give birth to their son in June. This reality makes him think twice about signing with a non-contending team, as he wouldn’t want to face the prospect of being traded mid-season.
He’s not alone in this situation. Other experienced players, like Alex Verdugo and Mark Canha, are also without contracts. Rizzo suggests that the upcoming expiration of the collective bargaining agreement might be influencing teams’ decisions regarding veteran players. “Every few years, there’s a cycle with spending and then squeezing players. It’s just how it goes,” he said.
In the meantime, he’s keeping busy working out and staying ready for the season, whenever it might come. “I love playing and talking baseball,” he said. “There’s always something to learn and discuss.”
(Photo: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)
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Source linkNew York Yankees, MLB
