Former Cubs Star Rizzo Remains a Free Agent as MLB Season Begins

CHICAGO, Ill. — As Major League Baseball officially kicks off its 2025 season, former Chicago Cubs icon Anthony Rizzo remains without a team for the first time since his rookie year in 2012. The 35-year-old first baseman failed to secure a contract throughout the entire offseason and is notably absent from any Opening Day roster.

For the past 14 years, Rizzo has built a solid reputation in MLB, but he faced significant challenges in recent seasons. After two injury-riddled years with the New York Yankees, where he helped lead the team to the World Series in 2024, Rizzo’s performance dipped drastically. He finished the 2024 season batting just .228 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs, and his World Series stint was particularly tough, hitting just 2-for-16 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Rizzo’s struggles are compounded by a competitive first base market, leaving him searching for any opportunity to continue his career. He expressed no desire to retire, indicating his hope for a depth role with a team seeking a power-hitting first baseman or designated hitter. Over his career, Rizzo has posted impressive stats, including 303 home runs, 965 RBIs, and a .261 batting average across 1,727 games.

Recognized for his contributions, Rizzo is a four-time Gold Glove Award winner and three-time All-Star, and he earned the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in 2017 for exemplifying sportsmanship and community involvement. His storied history with the Cubs includes pivotal contributions that helped end the team’s 108-year World Series drought in 2016.

As the season begins, skepticism looms over the likelihood of Rizzo securing a contract, especially with teams usually reluctant to fully commit to aging veterans. A viable path for Rizzo may involve waiting for an injury across MLB rosters, as teams often seek experienced players during unforeseen circumstances.

Off the field, Rizzo’s situation resonates with fans who remember his heart and impact on the Cubs and the sport. While he remains hopeful to return to the diamond, the reality of free agency presents a stark contrast to the triumphant career he has built over the years.