Anthony Rizzo: Age, Current Team, Career, and Family Life

Anthony Vincent Rizzo has been one of the most respected and popular players of his generation in Major League Baseball (MLB). A power-hitting, defensively excellent first baseman, he has also earned praise for his charitable work and leadership off the field. In this article, we explore how old Anthony Rizzo is, his current team status, what teams he has played for, and give insights into his family life — including his kids.

Early Life and Background

Anthony Rizzo was born on August 8, 1989 in Parkland, Florida, USA. He attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and was drafted in the 6th round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox.

Despite being a later-round pick, he quickly established himself as a promising prospect in the minors, thanks to his hitting ability, plate discipline, and baseball acumen.

How Old Is Anthony Rizzo?

As of 2025, Anthony Rizzo is 36 years old. Having been born in August 1989, he celebrated his 36th birthday in August 2025.

Age-wise, he is in the latter phase of a typical MLB career. Many players around his age consider retirement, but Rizzo has expressed a desire to keep playing, depending on opportunities.

Professional Career Overview

Minor Leagues and Draft

• Drafted in 2007 by the Red Sox (6th round, overall pick 204) from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

• Spent time in the Red Sox minor league system (Gulf Coast League Red Sox, Greenville Drive, Salem Red Sox, Portland Sea Dogs).

• In 2010, he posted strong numbers in High-A and Double-A (Salem and Portland) with a combined ~25 home runs and 100 RBIs.

MLB Debut and Padres

• Rizzo made his MLB debut on June 9, 2011 with the San Diego Padres.

• In December 2010, prior to his MLB debut, he had been traded from the Red Sox system to the Padres (with Casey Kelly, Reymond Fuentes, Eric Patterson) in exchange for Adrián González.

Chicago Cubs Era

• On January 6, 2012, Rizzo was traded by the Padres (along with Zach Cates) to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Andrew Cashner and Kyung-Min Na.

• He became a core player for the Cubs over nearly a decade, contributing both offensively and defensively.

• With the Cubs, Rizzo achieved multiple accolades:

  • 3× All-Star (2014–2016)

  • Silver Slugger Award in 2016

  • Multiple Gold Glove Awards (2016, 2018–2020)

  • Played a central role in the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship — breaking the team’s 108-year title drought.

New York Yankees and Later Years

• In 2021, Rizzo was traded to the New York Yankees.

• He played several seasons with the Yankees, but injuries began to take a toll.

• In June 2024, he suffered a broken arm after a collision on the field, and later in September fractured multiple fingers after being hit by a pitch.

• After the 2024 season, the Yankees declined his $17 million option for the 2025 season, paying him a ~$6 million buyout instead, making him a free agent.

Current Team: Free Agent Status

As of early 2025, Anthony Rizzo is a free agent — he is not signed with any MLB team.

Although he has expressed interest in continuing his career and states that he is healthy, market interest seems limited, possibly due to his age, injury history, and declining production in recent seasons.

Whether he will sign with a team for the 2025 season or retire remains to be seen. Some reports suggest he is open to playing if an opportunity arises.

Career Highlights & Statistics

To give you a sense of Rizzo’s career performance and contributions:

• Through the 2024 season, Rizzo has amassed approximately 1,644 hits, 303 home runs, and 965 RBIs.

• He holds a career batting average around .261.

• Known not just for offense, but also for his defensive excellence at first base — multiple Gold Glove awards confirm his value in fielding.

• Off the field, Rizzo’s establishment of the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation has drawn significant attention: since inception, the foundation has raised millions for pediatric cancer care and research and regularly hosts community events and toy drives.

Personal Life & Family

Marriage and Spouse

Anthony Rizzo married Emily Vakos on December 29, 2018.  The couple met in 2016 during his time with the Chicago Cubs — Emily was working as an intern in the Cubs’ nutrition department at the time.

Emily has a background in nutrition and food management (Arizona State University), and she has been quite active alongside Rizzo in philanthropic efforts.

Children

As of the latest available information (2025), Anthony Rizzo and Emily are expecting their first child.

• The couple announced the pregnancy on January 23, 2025, via Instagram, using a creative reveal featuring their dog Kevin wearing a “big brother” bandana.

• The expected due date was June 2025.

• As of now, I could not locate a public record confirming the exact birth date or gender of the child, so it’s possible the baby has arrived but the announcement or details remain private.

Pets

Anthony Rizzo and Emily also have a pet dog named Kevin, who featured in their baby announcement and social media posts.

Off-field Impact

Beyond family life, Rizzo is known for his leadership, community involvement, and charitable work — especially through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation. His personal journey (overcoming Hodgkin lymphoma at age 18) has made him an inspiring figure in both baseball and philanthropy.

What’s Next for Anthony Rizzo?

Given his free agent status in 2025, Rizzo’s next steps are uncertain but worth watching:

• If he signs with a new team, it’s likely to be on a short-term, low-risk deal perhaps with a club looking for veteran leadership and defensive stability at first base.

• Alternatively, he may consider transitioning into a front office, broadcasting, or other baseball-adjacent roles.

• His charitable and personal interests suggest he may continue building on his foundation’s success, regardless of whether he plays again. Anthony Rizzo current team and family.

FAQs

Q1: Is Anthony Rizzo still playing baseball?
As of early 2025, Anthony Rizzo is a free agent, so he is not currently on a team. He has expressed interest in continuing his career if an opportunity arises.

Q2: How old is Anthony Rizzo now?
Anthony Rizzo is 36 years old (born August 8, 1989).

Q3: What teams has Anthony Rizzo played for?
Rizzo has played for the San Diego Padres (debut in 2011), Chicago Cubs (2012–2021), and New York Yankees (2021–2024).

Q4: Does Anthony Rizzo have children?
Yes — as of 2025, he and his wife Emily Vakos are expecting their first child, with a due date of June 2025.

Q5: What is known about Anthony Rizzo’s spouse?
Emily Vakos is his wife. She interned with the Cubs’ nutrition department, holds a degree in nutrition/food management, and is actively involved with Rizzo’s philanthropic work.

Q6: What philanthropic work does Anthony Rizzo do?
He founded the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation in 2012, which supports pediatric cancer research and care, toy drives, and community events. The foundation has raised millions over the years.