Anthony Rizzo’s MLB Future: Free Agent to Coach?
Anthony Rizzo is a four-time All-Star and 14-year MLB vet. After the New York Yankees turned down his $17-million option in 2025, following the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series loss, Rizzo finds himself facing a crossroads. Rizzo, a 2007 Boston Red Sox draftee out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school, which produced Red Sox rising prospect Roman Anthony as well, is now a Free Agent pondering his next career move.
Rizzo, while acknowledging that he could retire at any time in the future, expressed a desire to play on. Rizzo, who was traded to the San Diego Padres for Adrian Gonzalez in 2010, believes that he has much more to give to baseball. He emphasizes his passion for mentoring and winning.
“I still have much to offer the game,” Rizzo said. Rizzo said to The Athletic, “I want to play.” I want to win. “I love to talk about the game, especially with pitchers and hitters. It’s a lot to cover. “I’ll be discussing everything that happens on and off the field with the guys.”
The Yankee blog Bleeding Yankee Blue has suggested a possible solution: Rizzo could take on a role as “player-coach”. The unique arrangement allows Rizzo to be a leader and mentor in the clubhouse while still contributing on the field. Robert Casey is the head writer of Bleeding Yankee Blue and suggests Rizzo can fill in a leadership gap by providing experience, guidance, and knowledge to his team.
Casey said: “Rather then seeing it as Rizzo’s ending, I think this could be the starting of something really special.” “Picture this: The Bronx Bombers offer Rizzo a unique one-year deal, not just as a player but as a ‘Player-Coach Mentor.'”
Rizzo would become one of two Yankees players to have a World Series Ring if he returned to them. Rizzo played an important role in Chicago Cubs historic victory at the 2016 World Series, which was their first World Series since 1908. Max Fried is the only other Yankee to have won a World Series. He was a left-handed pitcher who played for Atlanta Braves and won in 2021.
The potential role of player-coach could prolong Anthony Rizzo’s MLB career. It would allow him to continue to play for the New York Yankees while mentoring younger players.