Breaking news: A Yankees favorite offers a grim perspective on the possibility of being forced to retire.
Anthony Rizzo, a free agent with the New York Yankees, is aware that he could have to retire this spring.
At the end of the previous season, the Yankees declined the veteran first baseman’s $17 million club option. The move cost the 35-year-old a cool $6 million in buyout money, but it also prevented him from having a baseball home for the upcoming season.
As spring training begins, Rizzo discussed his lack of a contract with Ken Rosenthal and Brendan Kuty of The Athletic on Friday. Rizzo believed he had some more game left in him when asked whether he would consider retiring. However, the three-time All-Star recognized that he might not receive the call he had been waiting for.
Regarding retirement, the former Yankees great stated, “I’ve definitely thought about it.” “I believe I still have a lot to contribute to the game. However, I have witnessed it in the previous ten years of my profession if clubs are unwilling to spend a few million dollars on veterans. It is the fate of the elderly men. They are compressed in a way. You’ve witnessed it occur more frequently. I’m not gullible about it. It may be.
Over the last two years, injuries have made it difficult for Rizzo to stay on the field. In each of those seasons, he has not participated in more than 100 games.
Rizzo is less productive at the plate as a result of the injuries. hit.228 with 8 home runs, 35 RBIs, and an OPS of.673 for the Yankees last season, which is a career low since his rookie year of 49 games. Rizzo was a consistent NL MVP candidate during his best years with the Chicago Cubs, more than ten years ago.
To replace Rizzo, the Yankees decided to recruit a former NL MVP.
