Anthony Rizzo Retirement Status, Age, and Career Earnings — A Complete Overview

Anthony Rizzo has been one of the most recognisable and productive first basemen in Major League Baseball for well over a decade. As of 2025, however, questions loom: Is he retired? Has he officially announced retirement? What is his current age and how much has he earned in his career? In this article, we dig into the facts behind Rizzo’s status, career trajectory, earnings, and what the future might hold.

Introduction

Anthony Vincent Rizzo, born August 8, 1989, burst onto the MLB stage in 2011 and rose to prominence with the Chicago Cubs, winning a World Series, multiple Gold Gloves, and earning big contracts along the way. As injuries and free agency uncertainties mount, speculation has increased regarding whether he might retire. This article breaks down Rizzo’s current status, his age, full career earnings, and what might lie ahead.

Anthony Rizzo’s Age & Career Snapshot

• Date of birth: August 8, 1989

• Current age (as of September 2025): 36 years

• Bats/Throws: Left / Left

• MLB debut: June 9, 2011 with the San Diego Padres

Rizzo’s career began after being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 2007 MLB Draft (6th round), and then moving through the minor league ranks before making his major league debut with the Padres in 2011.

Later, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs (2012), where he enjoyed his peak years, then signed with the New York Yankees in 2022.

Has Anthony Rizzo Retired?

As of mid-2025, Anthony Rizzo has not publicly and formally announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. Sources show he remains a free agent after the Yankees declined his option for the 2025 season.

That said, there is mounting speculation and commentary suggesting that his playing career may be nearing its end:

• Several media outlets and analysts have predicted that Rizzo may not return to MLB, citing age, injury history, and diminished performance.

• A January 2025 report noted that the Yankees declined his $17M option, opting instead for a $6M buyout, which effectively made Rizzo a free agent.

• Some reports (e.g. via Yahoo Sports) have predicted that Rizzo is “not expected to play another game.”

• Rizzo himself has reportedly acknowledged that his career “might be coming to an end.”

However, until a formal announcement is made, he remains an available player, albeit the prospects of a new contract appear slim given injuries and declining performance.

Career Highlights & Performance

While Rizzo’s future is uncertain, his past achievements are substantial:

• World Series Champion with the Chicago Cubs, 2016

• Silver Slugger (1B), 2016

• Multiple Gold Glove Awards: He won Gold Gloves in 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020

• All-Star Appearances: Rizzo made multiple All-Star teams (for example 2014–2016)

• Career batting: As of end of 2024, he has hit over 300 home runs and driven in near or above 950 RBIs (depending on source).

• Defensive prowess and leadership off the field (especially through his charitable foundation) have contributed to his reputation as a respected veteran and clubhouse presence.

Career Earnings

One of the key statistics many fans want to know: How much has Rizzo earned over his MLB career?

• According to Spotrac, his cumulative earnings through 2025 are approximately US$ 135,065,422.

• Year-by-year breakdown (from Spotrac and SalarySport):

• Other sources (e.g. SalarySport) detail similar annual salaries and confirm the large contracts in later years.

• It is worth noting that actual total compensation may include bonuses, deferred payments, and buyouts (for example the $6M buyout when the Yankees declined his 2025 option).

So far, Rizzo has earned in excess of US$ 135 million over his MLB career. Anthony Rizzo retirement status.

The Decline & Injury Concerns

As with many veteran players, Rizzo’s later years have been marred by injuries, and performance decline has been noticeable:

• In 2023, after starting strong, Rizzo’s numbers declined sharply after a collision with Fernando Tatis Jr., which led to neck injury and post-concussion symptoms. He was shut down for the season in September 2023.

• In 2024, he had a broken arm mid-season and then fractured multiple fingers after being hit by a pitch late in the season, limiting his availability.

• The Yankees declined his option for 2025, paying him a buyout instead — reflecting concerns from the club about durability and future contribution.

• Media speculation suggests that with recurring injuries and age, Rizzo may struggle to secure a new MLB contract.

Could He Still Play? What’s Next

Although Rizzo has not officially retired, several factors suggest that his playing career may be winding down:

1. Free agent status with declining interest
   After the Yankees declined his option, there’s no public record of any team offering him a contract. That suggests interest from MLB teams may be limited.

2. Self-acknowledgement of uncertainty
   Some interviews and reports have quoted Rizzo acknowledging that his career may be nearing its end.

3. Alternative options
   There remains a possibility that Rizzo could attempt a comeback in a reduced role, sign a minor league or incentive-laden contract, or move to a coaching/mentorship position. Given his leadership and reputation, he could be valuable off-field even if his on-field contributions diminish.

4. One-day contract for Cubs?
   Fans and commentators have speculated whether the Cubs might bring him back on a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a Cub, given his strong legacy with the franchise. But so far, no indication of that has surfaced.

5. Charitable focus
   Off the field, Rizzo continues to be very active in charitable work through the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, which supports pediatric cancer research and families affected by the disease. This leadership and community involvement may increasingly be his focus if playing days truly end. Anthony Rizzo retirement status.

Why Rizzo’s Potential Retirement Matters

Anthony Rizzo is more than just a productive slugger or first baseman — he’s been a clubhouse leader, a vocal supporter of cancer-care causes (including raising millions for children’s hospitals), and a model citizen both on and off the field. His possible retirement carries implications:

• For the Cubs fan base, his departure would close a chapter of one of the most beloved figures in their recent history.

• For the Yankees, it marks the end of a high-profile free agent signing that had mixed success due to injuries.

• For MLB at large, it adds to the conversation about veteran players aging, injuries, and how teams balance performance versus health and cost.

• For younger players, Rizzo’s career serves as a blueprint of professionalism, longevity, and community engagement.

Summary & Outlook

• Anthony Rizzo is not officially retired as of September 2025, but remains a free agent.

• He is 36 years old, born August 8, 1989.

• His cumulative career earnings exceed US$ 135 million.

• Injuries, age and declining performance make further playing opportunities less and less likely, but unless he formally announces retirement, there remains a (diminishing) possibility of a comeback in some capacity.

Unless there’s a surprise signing or formal announcement, the most likely scenario is that Rizzo will transition away from playing, potentially into coaching, mentoring, or charity work, carrying forward a respected legacy in baseball. Anthony Rizzo retirement status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is Anthony Rizzo officially retired?
A: No — as of September 2025, he has not announced official retirement. He remains a free agent.

Q2: What is Anthony Rizzo’s current age?
A: Rizzo is 36 years old (born August 8, 1989).

Q3: How much has Anthony Rizzo earned in his MLB career?
A: His career earnings are around US$ 135 million (through 2025).

Q4: Why did the Yankees decline Rizzo’s 2025 option?
A: The Yankees declined his $17 million option and paid a $6 million buyout, likely due to concerns over injuries, declining performance, and cost-risk tradeoffs.

Q5: Could Rizzo return to MLB or sign with another team?
A: It remains possible, though unlikely. Given Rizzo’s injury history and age, interest seems limited. If he does return, it would likely be on a low-cost, incentive-oriented contract, or possibly a mentorship/search player role.

Q6: What will Anthony Rizzo likely do if he retires?
A: Many expect he may focus more on his Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation and community work, or perhaps transition into coaching, mentoring, or front office roles given his reputation and leadership.