Anthony Rizzo is no longer with the New York Yankees. If you’re looking for him in the 2026 pinstriped lineup, you won’t find him. Honestly, it’s a bit weird to think about. For a few years there, he was the emotional heartbeat of that clubhouse—the guy who brought the "Italian Stallion" energy and a veteran grit that balanced out the superstars like Aaron Judge. But that era is officially over.
Basically, the Yankees made a business call after the 2024 season that sent ripple effects through the fan base. They declined his $17 million club option, opting to pay a $6 million buyout instead. It wasn't just about the money, though. It was about health, age, and a sharp decline in production that became impossible to ignore.
The Quiet End of the Pinstripe Era
If you're wondering exactly when it happened, the door officially closed in late 2024. After a World Series run where Rizzo played through fractured fingers—which, let's be real, is incredibly tough—the front office looked at the numbers and saw a 35-year-old veteran whose body was starting to betray him.
Rizzo didn't sign with another MLB team for the 2025 season. He didn't go to the Dodgers or head back to Florida. He sat out. Then, in September 2025, he made the move that everyone deep down knew was coming: he officially retired from Major League Baseball.
But he didn't retire as a Yankee.
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In a move that probably stung a little for Bronx fans but made perfect sense for his legacy, Rizzo signed a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a member of the Chicago Cubs. He went back to Wrigley Field on September 13, 2025, to say his final goodbyes. It was emotional. It was loud. It was exactly where he belonged.
Why the Yankees Moved On
Look, Rizzo was great for a while. He put up a .224/.338/.480 line with 32 homers in 2022, which is exactly what you want from a first baseman in Yankee Stadium. But then the injuries started piling up. The neck issues, the fractured fingers, and most notably, the undiagnosed concussion in 2023 that basically derailed his career.
After that collision with Fernando Tatis Jr., Rizzo just wasn't the same. His 2024 stats were a tough watch:
- A batting average that dipped to .228.
- Only 8 home runs in 92 games.
- An OPS+ of 81 (meaning he was 19% below league average).
The Yankees eventually filled the hole at first base by signing veteran Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal for 2025, effectively ending any "what if" scenarios regarding a Rizzo comeback in the Bronx.
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Is He Still Playing Baseball Anywhere?
Actually, yes—sorta.
Even though he's done with the MLB grind, there is talk about him lacing up the cleats one more time. As of early 2026, Team Italy’s GM Ned Colletti has been public about trying to recruit Rizzo for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Rizzo played for Italy way back in 2013, and since his family has deep roots in Sicily, he’s eligible.
He’s 36 now. He’s refreshed. While he hasn't officially committed, the idea of him being a "player-manager" or a pinch-hitter for Italy is a real possibility. It would be a cool full-circle moment for a guy who has already won a World Series and multiple Gold Gloves.
Life After the Bronx
So, what is he doing now if he isn't at first base for the Yanks? He’s actually moved into a "Team Ambassador" role for the Chicago Cubs. He’s also been heavily linked to broadcasting.
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NBC has reportedly been eyeing him for an analyst role on their Sunday Night Baseball package. If you’ve ever heard him do an in-game interview with a mic on, you know he’s a natural. He’s funny, he knows the "new" version of the game, and he doesn't sound like a robot.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're a Rizzo fan trying to keep up with his next chapter, here’s how to follow along:
- Watch the 2026 World Baseball Classic: Keep an eye on the Team Italy roster. If Rizzo decides to play, it’ll likely be his final competitive appearance on a baseball diamond.
- Tune into NBC Sports: Watch for announcements regarding their 2026 MLB broadcast booth. Rizzo is a frontrunner for a major analyst spot.
- The Cubs Connection: Since he’s an official ambassador for Chicago, expect to see him at Wrigley Field ceremonies and charity events more than Yankee Stadium moving forward.
- Follow the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation: He is still incredibly active in cancer research and supporting families dealing with pediatric cancer. This remains his primary focus outside of the game.
The bottom line is that the Yankees have moved into a new era with younger bats and different veteran fillers. Rizzo’s time in New York was short, but he left as one of the most liked players of the decade. He just won't be wearing the pinstripes anymore.