Anthony Rizzo: Red Sox, Baseball, Yankees, Did Retire, Stats & Retirement Update

Anthony Rizzo remains one of the most respected first basemen of his generation. Known for his leadership, elite defense, and clutch hitting, Rizzo built an outstanding Major League Baseball career that included a World Series championship, multiple Gold Glove Awards, and memorable stints with the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees.

Although many fans still associate him with the Yankees, Rizzo’s professional baseball journey actually began with the Boston Red Sox organization. In 2025, the veteran officially announced his retirement from professional baseball after 14 MLB seasons.

Anthony Rizzo’s Baseball Journey

Born on August 8, 1989, in Parkland, Florida, Anthony Rizzo was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round of the 2007 MLB Draft. His promising career briefly paused after he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma as a teenager.

After successful treatment and recovery, Rizzo returned to baseball and developed into one of the game’s brightest prospects before being traded to the San Diego Padres organization.

Anthony Rizzo and the Boston Red Sox

He never appeared in a Major League game for Boston, the Red Sox played a significant role in launching his professional career.

He spent several seasons developing in Boston’s farm system before being traded to San Diego in the blockbuster deal involving Adrian Gonzalez after the 2010 season. That trade ultimately changed the direction of Rizzo’s career.

MLB Debut

Rizzo made his Major League debut with the San Diego Padres in 2011. While he showed flashes of talent, he truly blossomed after being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2012.

Chicago became the place where Rizzo transformed into one of baseball’s elite first basemen.

Chicago Cubs Legacy

Rizzo’s greatest success came with the Cubs.

Career highlights include:

• World Series champion (2016)
• Three-time MLB All-Star
• Four Gold Glove Awards
• Silver Slugger Award
• Roberto Clemente Award winner

His leadership helped end the Cubs’ historic 108-year World Series drought in 2016, cementing his place among the franchise’s greatest players.

Anthony Rizzo with the New York Yankees

The Cubs traded Rizzo to the New York Yankees during the 2021 season.

He quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his defensive consistency, left-handed power, and veteran leadership.

Across four seasons in New York, Rizzo contributed both offensively and defensively while helping the Yankees reach the postseason multiple times.

Did Anthony Rizzo Retire?

Yes.

He officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball in September 2025 after 14 seasons.

His retirement celebration took place at Wrigley Field, where he was honored as one of the greatest players in Cubs history before taking on an ambassador role with the organization.

Anthony Rizzo Career Stats

Final MLB career totals include:

These numbers rank Rizzo among the most productive first basemen of his era.

Life After Baseball

Following retirement, Rizzo has remained connected to baseball through the Cubs organization while continuing the charitable work of the Anthony Rizzo Foundation.

The foundation supports pediatric cancer research and provides assistance to families battling cancer, reflecting the challenges Rizzo himself overcame early in life.

Anthony Rizzo’s Legacy

He will be remembered as far more than a talented first baseman.

His courage in overcoming cancer, his leadership during the Cubs’ historic championship run, his professionalism with the Yankees, and his commitment to charity have made him one of baseball’s most respected figures.

Whether fans remember him in a Cubs or Yankees uniform—or recall that his professional career began in the Red Sox organization—Rizzo’s impact on Major League Baseball will endure for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Anthony Rizzo retire?

Yes. Anthony Rizzo retired from Major League Baseball in September 2025 after 14 seasons.

Did Anthony Rizzo play for the Red Sox?

He was drafted and developed by the Boston Red Sox organization but never played a Major League game for Boston.

Which teams did Anthony Rizzo play for?

He played for the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees.

How many home runs did Anthony Rizzo hit?

Anthony Rizzo finished his MLB career with 303 home runs.

What is Anthony Rizzo best known for?

He is best known for helping the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series, his outstanding defensive play, and his charitable work through the Anthony Rizzo Foundation.