Former Stars Rizzo and Martinez Remain Unemployed as Season Begins

NEW YORK, NY — As Major League Baseball teams prepare to kick off the 2025 regular season on Thursday, the absence of veteran players J.D. Martinez and Anthony Rizzo from any roster has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. Both players, with impressive histories and accolades, find themselves seeking opportunities as free agents.

J.D. Martinez, a multi-time All-Star and World Series champion, and Anthony Rizzo, a four-time Gold Glove award winner and a key contributor to the Chicago Cubs’ 2016 championship, are both without a team. Rizzo, who hit .228 with eight home runs and 35 RBIs for the New York Yankees in 2024, has been particularly affected by his subpar performance last season.

Despite the struggles, Rizzo’s reputation as a solid clubhouse leader remains intact. He played a vital role in the Yankees’ journey to the World Series in 2024. Over his 14-year career with the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, and New York Yankees, Rizzo has amassed a lifetime batting average of .261, along with 303 home runs and 965 RBIs. His career includes several standout seasons where he surpassed 20 home runs, including four seasons with over 30 homers and four occasions of driving in over 100 runs.

According to MLB analysts, Rizzo’s best chances for employment may hinge on team injuries, which could prompt organizations to look for veteran replacements. “I don’t want to retire,” Rizzo indicated earlier this offseason, signaling his desire to continue playing.

In related news, the Baltimore Orioles and their promising young star Adley Rutschman are reportedly at an impasse regarding a long-term contract agreement. The situation highlights the challenges teams face in securing key players amid fluctuating market conditions following recent extensions, such as Cal Raleigh‘s with the Seattle Mariners.

The Toronto Blue Jays, dubbed the most intriguing team in baseball this year by Brady Farkas of Fastball, are also generating buzz as teams finalize their rosters for the season.

Adding to the excitement of Opening Day, New York Yankees legend Andy Pettitte will return to the Bronx to throw the ceremonial first pitch on Thursday, stirring nostalgia among longtime fans of the franchise.

With the season set to begin, fans and analysts alike are left to wonder what lies ahead for veterans like Rizzo and Martinez, revealing the unpredictable nature of professional baseball.