Why have the New York Yankees declined Anthony Rizzo's option?

The Yankees' decision to decline Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 option didn’t come out of nowhere. Injuries and age have started to take a toll on the 35-year-old first baseman, who battled multiple setbacks in 2024 and has had his performance drop in recent years. Rizzo’s season was disrupted by a fractured forearm in June and then a late-season broken fingers incident that cut into his playing time, limiting him to just 92 games. His struggles at the plate reflected this: he finished with a career-low .636 OPS and only eight home runs, a stark contrast to his typical numbers. Even in 2023, Rizzo’s injuries - including a neck issue and a concussion - kept him off the field, capping his season at 99 games. These cumulative injuries have raised questions about his long-term reliability.

The option itself was also pricey: $17 million. For a player struggling to stay healthy and productive, the Yankees couldn’t justify the steep cost, especially with other big contracts on the horizon, like their potential pursuit of Juan Soto. Rizzo may have a chance to stay in New York, though, if he’s open to negotiating a more team-friendly deal. If the Yankees can work out something lower than the option’s original price, he could provide a familiar presence and veteran leadership for a young roster. At the same time, the Yankees lack a clear replacement for Rizzo at first base, adding a layer of complexity to the decision.

Rizzo has openly said he loves playing in New York, so if the team wants him back at a more manageable rate, he may well be game. For now, he’s a free agent, but his future remains up in the air as the Yankees work through their off-season plans and weigh their priorities.