Would Anthony Rizzo entertain a return to Cubs?
The Cubs may be in the market for offensive help this offseason and Anthony Rizzo could be a free agent.
So is there a path toward a reunion between the two sides?
The Yankees hold a $17 million team option on Rizzo with a $6 million buyout, so there is still a reasonable chance the first baseman remains in New York.
And if it were up to Rizzo, that’s where he would stay until his playing days are done.
“Emily [his wife] and I love it here,” Rizzo said Friday at Wrigley Field. “We’ve made a lot of lifelong friendships here so we see ourselves maybe living here again. As far as playing, I really hope to retire a Yankee.
“I love playing on the Yankees. I love the opportunity that I’ve had, especially with the guys that I get to play alongside every single day. But who knows? Who knows what the future is? I never thought I would be a Yankee. So just take it day-by-day.”
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Rizzo admitted that a few years ago, he had no intentions of every playing anywhere but with the Cubs. But then he was traded to the Yankees in July 2021 and he’s been there ever since.
He just turned 35 in August and is now an aging veteran.
After a solid first year-plus with the Yankees, Rizzo has been hampered by injuries over the last 2 seasons and has struggled when he’s been on the field to the tune of a .235/.310/.363 slash line (.673 OPS).
The Cubs have a solid young player at first base in Michael Busch, who could draw some down-ballot Rookie of the Year votes and might contend for the Gold Glove Award at the position.
The lineup could also once again feature Cody Bellinger in 2025 if the star outfielder doesn’t opt out of his remaining contract.
The Cubs already have Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong locked in for next season so if Bellinger does return, it would likely push Suzuki to the DH spot (where he has played the last few weeks).
That doesn’t leave much room for Rizzo.
“He’s been happy there – he’s had a good run in New York,” Jed Hoyer said. “Obviously, I’m thrilled that Michael Busch is our first baseman. Baseball changes.”