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The New York Yankees are approaching a pivotal free agency in 2025, with generational talent Juan Soto hitting the market to rewrite history. As a 25-year-old slugger who’s achieved almost everything except for an MVP award, he is gearing up to fetch the most expensive contract in MLB’s history.

Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are certainly keen on having Juan Soto back. However, that pursuit will likely cost them around $500-600 million. Hence, the franchise needs to free up significant chunks of the financial payroll to accommodate Soto. And cutting loose a $17 million veteran infielder will certainly serve the cause.

Anthony Rizzo Unlikely To Continue With Yankees In 2025!

Jason Szenes / New York Post
Anthony Rizzo has been a key figure in the New York Yankees’ lineup since his arrival in 2021. A three-time MLB All-Star and 2016 World Series champion, Rizzo brought veteran leadership, power, and consistency to the team. However, injuries have plagued his recent campaigns, raising questions about his future with the team. With the 35-year-old’s health concerns and declining production, the Yanks face a pivotal decision regarding his contract this offseason. Rizzo, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal before the 2023 season, has a team option for a third year worth $17 million in 2025. Despite his valuable contributions, including a key double in Game 2 of the ALCS this postseason, Rizzo’s struggles to stay on the field may make the club hesitant to exercise the option.

Interestingly, over the past two seasons, Anthony Rizzo has played in just 191 out of a possible 324 games due to multiple injuries, including post-concussion syndrome, a right forearm fracture, and broken fingers. During this time, his offensive numbers have also taken a hit. Rizzo’s .237 batting average and .636 OPS over the past two years highlight his declining production. Once a consistent power hitter, the first baseman managed only 337 at-bats during the 2024 regular season, struggling to maintain the form that made him a staple in the Yankees’ lineup. And as Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report noted in a recent article, the Yanks are likely to decline Rizzo’s $17 million club option for 2025. Given his age and health issues, it’s hard to justify such a high salary for a player who has missed significant time. Hence, if Rizzo is released, fans can expect a new starter at first base in 2025.

Anthony Rizzo Endorsed As Clubhouse Anchor

Credit: Yankees Twitter
Anthony Rizzo has long been regarded as a key leader in the New York Yankees clubhouse, a role that goes beyond his on-field performance. According to former Yankees hitting coach Sean Casey, Rizzo’s presence is vital not only for his talent but also for the leadership and energy he brings to the team.

Casey added that Anthony Rizzo’s approach to leadership is not about hierarchy but about camaraderie and keeping everyone engaged, regardless of their status on the team. “He doesn’t care if you’re Aaron Judge or Anthony Volpe, he’s going to keep you on your toes,” he said underscoring Rizzo’s lighthearted approach in the clubhouse.