Predicting Yankees, Dodgers Players to Sign New Contracts After 2024 MLB World Series

The New York Yankees declined first-baseman Anthony Rizzo’s contract, making the veteran a free agent and ensuring that he will sign a new deal this off-season if he wishes to continue his playing career.

Despite making it clear that he did not want to leave the organization, the team “essentially decided he was not worth an extra $11 million; he could have been brought back for $17 million and was bought out for $6 million,” per Mark W. Sanchez of The New York Post.

Sanchez reported that Rizzo “intends to play,” despite a 2024 that did not go his way, thanks to injuries.

Rizzo could return to the Yankees but would have to do so on a team-friendly deal and, likely, only if the team misses out on Juan Soto or fails to sign another player at first base, such as Pete Alonso of the across-town Mets.

The former Chicago Cub, with whom he won the World Series, hit just eight home runs, drove in just 35, and struggled his way to a .288 average and .636 OPS.

The Cubs are certainly a team that could decide to bring Rizzo back as they look for an upgrade at the first base but those injuries and his age (35) make him a risky signing at one of the more important positions on the diamond.

A passionate player whose admiration and respect for the Yankees organization is clear, he told reporters what it means to wear the pinstripes after Game 5 of the World Series.

“To wear this jersey is something special that I wish every baseball player gets to feel, because it’s a different feeling, wearing this jersey.”

His love for the organization likely earns him a chance to continue his career in the Bronx, even if it means taking a pay cut.