Inside The Pinstripes

Anthony Rizzo Opts Out of Contract With Yankees, Entering Free Agency

Rizzo was set to make $16 million from the Yankees in 2022. Now he'll join Aaron Judge, Jameson Taillon, Andrew Benintendi and other ex-Yankees in free agency.

Max Goodman

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Anthony Rizzo is officially a free agent.

The first baseman has opted out of his contract with the Yankees, per Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Following the 2021 season, Rizzo's first taste of playing time in the Bronx after he was acquired from the Cubs at the trade deadline, the first baseman signed a two-year deal worth $32 million. That contract included an opt-out clause for 2023.

Rizzo opting out and hitting the open market this offseason doesn't come as too much of a surprise. The first baseman is capitalizing on an opportunity to find more security, seeking a deal that extends beyond the 2023 season.

The 33-year-old had his best offensive campaign in recent history—from a power standpoint—in 2022, his first full campaign with the Yankees. Rizzo swatted 32 home runs to tie his career-high, posting a 132 wRC+ and .817 OPS. He drove in 75 runs out of the middle of New York's lineup, scoring 77 times over 130 games played. 

On defense, Rizzo was nominated for a Gold Glove Award at first base, routinely bailing out his teammates across the infield. Some metrics noticed a decline in Rizzo's defense, though. The first baseman produced minus-3 defensive runs saved and Outs Above Average. He committed five errors.

READ: Aaron Judge Headlines Yankees’ Free Agents

Even if he's lost a step, which happens with age, Rizzo showed in 2022 that he's a key piece of the puzzle for New York, a leader both on and off the field. From timely mound visits with struggling pitchers to relationships fostered within the clubhouse and behind closed doors, Rizzo has been valuable to the Yankees' culture and on-field product, a team that won 99 games in 2022 and secured a division title. They made it all the way to the American League Championship Series as well, before getting swept by the World Series champion Houston Astros. 

Surely several other teams will show interest in Rizzo in free agency, a 12-year veteran with a glowing reputation and plenty of postseason experience. If the Yankees want to keep the sweet-swinging lefty in pinstripes, they'll need to hand the three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glover a raise and more control beyond next season, his age-33 campaign. 

Don't think that Rizzo opting out is a sign he wants to play for another team either. While Rizzo chose not to speak about his future while addressing the media after New York was eliminated in the ALCS, it's been reported that the veteran wants to stick around. Jim Bowden of The Athletic wrote last week that Rizzo would like to return to the Bronx with a longer-term commitment.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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