Anthony Rizzo: Concussion| Salary| Retire| Yankees

Anthony Rizzo: Concussion | Salary | Retire | Yankees

Anthony Rizzo has been one of the most respected first basemen of his generation — a durable, gritty, and productive veteran who turned himself into a fan favourite through his performance on the field, leadership in the clubhouse, and charitable work off it. However, in recent years, his career trajectory has been significantly impacted by injuries, most notably a concussion and its lingering effects. Coupled with declining statistical output, advancing age, and a major contract with the New York Yankees, there is growing speculation about whether Rizzo will continue, retire, or attempt to sign elsewhere.

In this article, let’s dive deep into the key themes around Anthony Rizzo — the concussion, his salary history, his time with the Yankees, and whether retirement may be on the horizon.

Early Career & Rise to Stardom

Anthony Rizzo was drafted by the Boston Red Sox in the 6th round of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

After moving through the minors and a trade to the San Diego Padres (then to the Chicago Cubs), Rizzo made his MLB debut on June 9, 2011, at age 21.

With the Cubs, he gradually established himself as a premier first baseman, combining solid on-base skills with power and excellent defense. By the mid-2010s, Rizzo had become a multiple-time All-Star, a key leader on the clubhouse, and a fan favourite.

His time with the Cubs also included a World Series championship in 2016, helping break their long title drought.

The Move to the Yankees & Contract History

Rizzo was traded to the New York Yankees at the 2021 trade deadline.

In March 2022, he signed a two-year deal with the Yankees valued at $32 million.

Then later in November 2022, he re-signed (or extended) a contract that includes up to $40 million guaranteed, with an annual salary of ~$17 million for 2023 and 2024, and a 2025 club option worth ~$17 million, with a $6 million buyout.

Spotrac lists his contract with the Yankees as a two-year, $40M deal.

Some summary of contractual terms:

• 2023 base salary: ~$17 million

• 2024 salary: ~$17 million

• 2025 club option: $17 million / $6 million buyout

• No-trade clause: limited (Rizzo can list up to 6 teams annually)

In November 2024, the Yankees declined that 2025 club option and instead paid him the $6 million buyout, effectively making Rizzo a free agent.

The Concussion & Health Issues

The turning point in Rizzo’s recent career was a concussion sustained in 2023. On May 28, 2023, during a game against the San Diego Padres, Rizzo was involved in a pickoff attempt with Fernando Tatis Jr. The play knocked Rizzo to the ground and he left the game with what was initially described as a neck injury.

Afterwards, his performance declined sharply: he had been batting .304/.376/.508 with 11 home runs before the incident, but in the subsequent 46 games, he slumped to .172/.271/.225 with just one home run.

In August 2023, the Yankees placed him on the injured list with post-concussion syndrome.

By September 5, 2023, manager Aaron Boone announced that Rizzo would be shut down for the rest of the 2023 season.

The concussion, and its lingering symptoms, appear to have had a lasting impact on his timing, reaction, durability, and confidence at the plate.

In addition to the concussion, Rizzo dealt with other injury issues in 2024, including a fractured forearm and finger injuries, further hampering his ability to stay healthy and produce.

A recent report described that the 2023 concussion effectively ended Rizzo’s prime, noting that he managed only eight home runs in 375 plate appearances in 2024.

Post-Concussion Performance & Decline

Following the concussion, Rizzo’s numbers declined, and the signs of aging began to show more clearly. Some of the decline is likely tied to the after-effects of head trauma, which can affect vision, reaction time, and mental confidence — all critical for hitting at the major-league level.

His plate appearances dropped, his slugging percentage decreased, and he seemed less able to sustain a full season. The injuries in 2024 also reduced his availability and productivity.

In 2024, he played in 92 games and finished with an OPS around .637, hitting only eight home runs.

Because of injuries and reduced power numbers, the Yankees declined his 2025 option.

Financials & Earnings

Anthony Rizzo’s earnings over his long MLB career have been substantial. According to Spotrac and related sources:

• His Yankees contract guaranteed ~$40 million over two years, with the possibility of more via the option.

• The Yankees declined the option, paying a $6 million buyout.

• Some reports suggest his net worth is around US$27 million as of mid-2025.

• SalarySport, though less authoritative, lists his annual salary as $17 million and projects a net worth of ~US$135 million. (But such estimates vary widely in accuracy.)

Overall, even after decline, Rizzo has earned at or near the upper tier of first basemen salaries in his prime, and his compensation reflects that status.

Retirement Speculation: What’s Next?

Because of the concussion, the subsequent decline, the Yankees declining his option, and his age (35 as of 2025), there is considerable speculation whether Anthony Rizzo will retire or try to continue his career elsewhere.

Some key points to consider:

1. Desire to keep playing
   Rizzo has publicly expressed his desire to continue playing. According to interviews, he has declined offers to play for the veteran minimum and has made clear he would prefer a meaningful role. 
   One article from Call to the Pen notes: “Rizzo will remain a free agent until he changes one thing.” (i.e., likely a willingness to accept a smaller contract or lower expectations)

2. Market realities for aging sluggers
   The market for older sluggers with declining production is increasingly unforgiving. Teams are often reluctant to offer guaranteed money to players with concussion history and durability concerns.

3. Opportunity cost vs. health
   Given the concussion history, Rizzo may need to weigh the risk of lingering or future injury against the value of continuing to play. Players with head injuries sometimes experience long-term health consequences that extend beyond their playing career.

4. Free agency & offers
   As of late 2024, the Yankees declined his option, but Rizzo remains a free agent. There is no public disclosure of other teams offering substantial contracts yet. If interest is minimal, Rizzo may face the choice of signing a very low-minimum contract, taking a bench role, or retiring.

5. Legacy and personal choice
   Rizzo has built a strong brand, has philanthropic commitments, and may prefer exiting on his own terms rather than chasing diminishing returns. Some players in his position choose to transition into coaching, broadcasting, or front office roles.

Given the combination of declining performance, health risks, and contractual uncertainty, many analysts believe Rizzo may be nearing the end of his playing career. One recent forecast even predicted he may not play another game.

Possible Scenarios for Rizzo’s Future

Here are some plausible paths forward for Anthony Rizzo:

Impact on the Yankees & Team Strategy

The Yankees’ decision to decline Rizzo’s 2025 option and sign Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year contract (reported at ~$12.5 million) suggests that New York is pivoting to a healthier, possibly more productive and younger first base option.

By moving on from Rizzo, the Yankees freed up payroll and roster space, but also lost a veteran with strong leadership and clubhouse presence. That may have some intangible cost, especially during postseason runs, where veteran poise matters.

The decision signals a recognition that relying on Rizzo in a diminished health state posed more risk than reward.

What Fans & Analysts Are Saying

• Some writing and analyst commentary has been blunt: “A 2023 concussion ended Rizzo’s prime” — pointing to weak production thereafter.

• A piece by Call to the Pen notes Rizzo may remain a free agent only because he hasn’t yet changed his demands (e.g. willingness to accept lower pay).

• Fans and social media posts reflect a sense of empathy — many acknowledge Rizzo’s durability and leadership, and feel his decline is due more to injury than to lack of effort. Some have speculated if he might accept a shorter or low-cost deal to finish his career.

• Some commentators believe that unless Rizzo is willing to accept a low-minimum contract, his playing days may be over. Anthony Rizzo Yankees.

What Would Rizzo Need to Do to Return?

If Rizzo wants to continue playing, here are some steps and considerations he might need to take:

1. Demonstrate health and readiness
   He may need to pass a medical evaluation and possibly a baseball readiness/training program to show he’s recovered sufficiently from concussion and other injuries.

2. Accept a smaller or performance-based contract
   Given market realities, he may need to be flexible on compensation and role (bench, platoon, minor league, or incentive-laden deals).

3. Prove production
   Teams looking at Rizzo will want evidence of recent performance — possibly via Spring Training, winter leagues, or minor league assignments.

4. Be open to role flexibility
   If he is willing to play defensively at DH or accept limited at-bats, he may offer more appeal to teams looking for depth and experience.

5. Negotiate a transitional role
   Some veteran players negotiate terms that include non-playing roles (mentorship, clubhouse leadership, minor coaching) along with limited playing time.

6. Mental and physical readiness
   Post-concussion syndrome can have lingering and sometimes unpredictable effects — Rizzo may need to show he is confident and comfortable handling in-game reaction demands, including trust in his vision and timing. Anthony Rizzo Yankees.

Conclusion

Anthony Rizzo’s journey from a durable, high-performing first baseman to a veteran battling health setbacks mirrors the harsh realities of aging hitters in Major League Baseball. The concussion he sustained in 2023 appears to have had a lasting impact, and his production declined significantly thereafter. His substantial Yankees contract and declining metrics, combined with the Yankees’ decision to decline his $17 million 2025 option, have thrust him into free agency, while questions about his future loom large.

Whether Rizzo will retire or attempt a comeback depends on multiple factors: his health (especially lingering concussion symptoms), his willingness to accept a reduced role or pay, and whether a team is willing to take a chance on him. If he chooses to attempt a comeback, it may very well be via a low-risk contract or a minor league/training camp invitation. If not, Rizzo will likely transition from playing to a new chapter off the field — whether in coaching, media, or community work.

As of mid-2025, the consensus among many analysts is that Rizzo may be nearing the end of his playing career. But with his character, experience, and leadership, if a suitable opportunity presents itself — and he is willing to adapt — he may yet surprise a few by returning for a final chapter.

FAQs

Q1: Is Anthony Rizzo officially retired?
A1: No, as of mid-2025, Anthony Rizzo has not announced his retirement. He remains a free agent after the Yankees declined his 2025 option.  Anthony Rizzo Yankees.

Q2: What caused Rizzo’s decline in performance?
A2: His performance decline is widely attributed to a concussion he sustained in 2023 (which resulted in post-concussion syndrome), along with subsequent injuries (forearm, finger), advancing age, and reduced durability.

Q3: What was Anthony Rizzo’s Yankees salary?
A3: Rizzo’s Yankees contract (signed in November 2022) paid him approximately $17 million per year for 2023 and 2024, with a 2025 club option of $17 million and a $6 million buyout.

Q4: Why did the Yankees decline the 2025 option?
A4: The Yankees declined the option likely due to concerns about Rizzo’s declining production, injury history (notably the concussion), and the risk of paying $17M for diminished performance. Instead, they paid the $6M buyout.

Q5: Could Rizzo sign with another team?
A5: Yes — it remains possible that Rizzo could sign a short-term contract, perhaps a minor league invite or low-guarantee deal. However, market interest may be limited unless he demonstrates health and willingness to accept a reduced role or salary.

Q6: What are the realistic chances of Rizzo returning to MLB?
A6: The realistic chances appear modest, barring an optimistic rebound in health and performance. Many analysts view his playing career as possibly nearing its end, but comebacks are not unheard of if he can show readiness and adaptability. Anthony Rizzo Yankees.

Q7: What might Rizzo do after retiring?
A7: If he retires, possible paths include coaching, mentoring, front office roles, broadcasting, or continuing his philanthropic efforts. Rizzo has strong leadership credentials, community visibility, and a positive reputation, which could serve him well in such roles.