After a distinguished 14-year career in Major League Baseball, Anthony Rizzo is set to retire as a Chicago Cub, the organization revealed on Wednesday.
Rizzo, now 36 years of age, dedicated almost a decade of his career to Chicago and will be celebrated this Saturday at Wrigley Field, preceding the Cubs’ matchup against the Tampa Bay Rays, as reported by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. Upon his retirement, the celebrated first baseman will transition into the role of an ambassador for the team.
“Anthony Rizzo represented the heart of a highly triumphant period in Chicago Cubs history, and we are thrilled that he will remain an integral part of our organization for many years ahead,” expressed Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts in an official statement. “His performance on the field was a testament to his skill and dedication, earning him numerous All-Star selections, Gold Glove Awards, the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, and ultimately, his leadership was instrumental in the 2016 World Series championship victory.”
Having been selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 2007 draft, Rizzo was later traded to the San Diego Padres as part of the agreement involving Adrián González. Following a four-year stint in the minor leagues, Rizzo made his MLB debut with the Padres in 2011, participating in 49 games. That same offseason, he found himself on the move once more, this time joining the Cubs, where he would solidify his position as a pivotal player in what would evolve into a championship-caliber roster.
Rizzo experienced his most fruitful seasons with the Cubs, achieving milestones of 30 home runs and 100 RBIs on four occasions. He also garnered recognition with three All-Star Game appearances and secured four Gold Glove Awards for his outstanding play at first base, including a coveted Platinum Glove. In 2016, he was honored with a Silver Slugger Award and was named the recipient of the 2017 Roberto Clemente Award.
Rizzo showcased a remarkable year in 2016, highlighted by a career-best 32 home runs and 109 RBIs. During that postseason, he maintained a .277 batting average with three home runs – notably a powerful hit off Clayton Kershaw in Game 6 of the NLCS – and contributed 10 RBIs. The Cubs went on to break their 108-year championship drought, triumphing over the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling seven-game World Series.
Rizzo secured the final out by catching Kris Bryant’s throw from third base.
After nearly a decade in Chicago, Rizzo’s tenure with the Cubs concluded when he was traded to the New York Yankees during the 2021 season. He spent portions of four seasons in the Bronx, ultimately concluding his career with an AL pennant victory and another appearance in the World Series in 2024.
Rizzo’s impressive tally of 242 home runs as a Cub ranks sixth in the franchise’s history, trailing only Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo, and Ryne Sandberg. He also holds a prominent place in the team’s record books as the player who has been hit by the most pitches, with a total of 165.
