A lot has changed since 2016, when the Chicago Cubs ended their 108-year championship drought with a historic World Series win in Cleveland. Nearly a decade later, most of the stars from that iconic roster have moved on from Chicago. Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, Javier Baez, and Kris Bryant have each worn multiple uniforms since that memorable night. Among them, Rizzo appears to be facing the toughest challenges in his career.
While the others have found new homes in the league, Rizzo remains unsigned this season. The veteran first baseman last played for the New York Yankees, but a series of injuries—most notably a serious concussion—limited his effectiveness. Despite pushing through the pain and earning the respect of his teammates for his toughness, it wasn’t enough to convince Yankees GM Brian Cashman to bring him back.
Rizzo’s value has dropped significantly in free agency. Though he remains eager to continue playing—something he shared in an interview with The Athletic during spring training—he’s been unwilling to lower his contract demands. The 35-year-old acknowledged a harsh reality many aging players face:
“If teams aren’t willing to spend a few million on veterans, I’ve seen it happen again and again. Older guys get pushed out. I’m not blind to that. This might be it.”
Once a cornerstone of the Cubs’ championship run, Rizzo hasn’t drawn interest from teams at the level he might have hoped. No front office offered more than $10 million this winter, and concerns about his durability and declining performance linger. In 2023, he posted a disappointing .637 OPS, far from his peak form.
Age has undoubtedly played a role in Rizzo’s downturn. He was 31 when he was traded to the Yankees and is now 35—a noticeable difference in baseball years. But the combination of age, mounting injuries, and diminished production has left him on the outside looking in.
If Rizzo truly wants another shot at playing this season, it may be time to set aside pride and adjust his expectations.
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