Yankees decline Rizzo's $17M option

The New York Yankees declined first baseman Anthony Rizzo's $17-million club option for next season, the club announced Saturday.

Rizzo, who's now a free agent, will receive a $6-million buyout.

The three-time All-Star is coming off his worst season since his rookie year in 2011 after slashing .228/.301/.335 with eight homers and 35 RBIs over 92 games during the 2024 campaign.

The 35-year-old also dealt with multiple injuries over the last few seasons, logging a combined 191 games since 2023. He gutted through the ALCS and World Series after playing with fractured fingers.

Rizzo has recorded 303 homers with 965 RBIs and an .828 OPS over 14 years with the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and Yankees. He's a four-time Gold Glover and was part of the 2016 World Series-winning Cubs.