Anthony Rizzo Has Announced His Retirement From Major League Baseball

A World Series champion. A multi Gold Glove Winner and All-Star. Beloved Cub. After 14 seasons, Anthony Rizzo has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball.

The MLB took to social media to confirm Rizzo’s departure from the league. They state,

“Anthony Rizzo has announced his retirement after 14 seasons with the Cubs, Yankees and Padres. Rizzo was a 4-time Gold Glove Award winner (2016, 2018-2020) and won Platinum Glove honors in 2016. He was also a 3-time All-Star (2014-2016) and won a Silver Slugger Award in 2016.

In 2017, Rizzo was bestowed with the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award. And, of course, he was an integral part of the Cubs 2016 World Series championship team.”

Anthony Rizzo had finished the 2024 MLB season with the New York Yankees. However, before retiring he became a free agent after the Yankees declined his option for 2025 due to significant injuries. Injuries including a broken right forearm and broken knuckles on his right hand; sustained during the previous season. He returned for the postseason in 2024 after his hand fracture, playing through pain; but his overall performance had declined since 2023. Rizzo had hoped to keep playing but age and injury prevented clubs from taking a chance.

Therefore, now the time has finally come to say goodbye. Anthony Rizzo is officially retiring as a player and joining the Cubs as an ambassador, Chicago announced Wednesday morning. Rizzo will be back at Wrigley Field for Saturday’s game. The team will honor him Saturday on the field during their 1:20 p.m. game against the Rays.

Rizzo hit the media circuit ahead of Saturday’s festivities. Anthony told Mully and Haugh of 670 The Score that he’s going to excitedly sit in the Wrigley Field bleachers this weekend and enjoy retiring with the Cubs. Rizzo specifically stated, “[I’m] overwhelmed with joy right now. I couldn’t be happier to be coming back to Chicago. This weekend is going to be really special.”

Anthony Rizzo Has Announced His Retirement From Major League Baseball

The Cubs are also excited about this weekend and the future. Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts stated,

“Anthony Rizzo was the face of one of the most successful eras in Chicago Cubs history and we are so excited he will be a part of our organization for many years to come. His play on the field spoke for itself and was recognized with multiple All-Star appearances, Gold Glove Awards, the Roberto Clemente Award and, ultimately, being a team leader on the 2016 World Series championship team. Who could forget Anthony catching Kris Bryant’s throw from third base for the final out that clinched the series?

In addition, he was an inspiration to so many off the field through his foundation and his work with cancer research. Anthony’s professional career on the field might be complete, but it will be great to share this next chapter with him here with the Cubs. On behalf of the Cubs organization, we all congratulate Anthony for a memorable and successful playing career. We know the best is yet to come for him, his wife, Emily, and their family. We look forward to their rejoining our Cubs family as we create new memories for fans.”

The 36-year-old infielder will end his 14-year major league career with 1,644 hits, 303 home runs and 965 RBIs in 1,727 games played. During his 10 years with the Cubs, which included 39 postseason games, Rizzo had 242 home runs and 784 RBIs. So then, enjoy retirement Rizzo and look forward to seeing your impact once again with Chicago.

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