Anthony Rizzo

Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo didn’t start Monday night in Seattle due to a sore neck.AP

The New York Yankees are marching towards a World Series title with a 2-0 lead already in place in the AL Championship Series against Cleveland Guardians. With five more games to go, the Bombers can seal the deal with just 2 more wins. However, the road would definitely not be easy.

Having said that, beyond the playoffs, the New York Yankees front office has a tough call to make with next year’s roster. With several contracts expiring, hitting arbitration, and Juan Soto entering the free agent market, general manager Brian Cashman will likely cut loose a veteran first baseman to free up $17 million off the books.

Anthony Rizzo’s Future With Yankees Appear Bleak

Yankees, Anthony RizzoRobert Sabo for NY Post
As the New York Yankees eye a potential World Series run, they face a series of tough offseason decisions, including potential roster cuts to create financial flexibility for 2025. Among the players under scrutiny is veteran slugger Anthony Rizzo, whose future with the team is in question after a down year. Rizzo has a $17 million club option for next season with a $6 million buyout, and speculation is growing that the team may opt for the buyout. According to Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti, “Father Time hasn’t been kind to Rizzo both from a production and reliability standpoint of late.” This decision would allow them to allocate those funds elsewhere, particularly toward re-signing superstar Juan Soto, who is expected to command a significant contract.

Notably, Anthony Rizzo’s struggles in the 2024 season are a key factor in the New York Yankees’ dilemma. After being a steady middle-of-the-order presence for several years, Rizzo’s production declined, posting an OPS+ of just 81, the lowest of his career since his rookie season in 2011. Additionally, injuries have limited his reliability over the past two seasons, which further complicates the decision for the front office. While Rizzo remains beloved by fans and teammates, the franchise’s primary concern is ensuring they stay competitive while managing their payroll efficiently. If the team is serious about keeping Soto in the Bronx for the long term, they’ll need to free up money, and cutting ties with Rizzo could be a necessary step. Additionally, there is a possibility that the two parties could negotiate a cheaper deal. But it seems more likely that the team will move on.

Anthony Rizzo Steps Up For ALCS Despite Unhealed Injury

Yankees, Anthony RizzoUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
The New York Yankees received a significant boost ahead of their AL Championship Series (ALCS) clash with the Cleveland Guardians as Anthony Rizzo returned to the lineup. Despite suffering broken fingers, Rizzo was cleared to play, and manager Aaron Boone was optimistic about his performance in the series.

However, due to Rizzo being physically and emotionally drained late in Game 2, Aaron Boone made the decision to replace him with Oswaldo Cabrera, ensuring the Yankees managed Rizzo’s workload carefully. Although Rizzo’s 2024 regular season was marked by career lows, hitting just .228 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs in 92 games, his presence in the ALCS could prove crucial for the Yankees.