Anthony Rizzo: "I really hope to retire as a Yankee"

It's been a difficult few seasons for first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The hard-hitting infielder has struggled with both his health and productivity with the New York Yankees in recent years. However, that has not impacted his thoughts about spending his future with the team.

The New York Yankees kicked off their weekend series on Friday against the Chicago Cubs, the team where Anthony Rizzo established himself as a superstar. Despite the best seasons of his career coming with the Cubs, the three-time All-Star expressed his interest in finishing his career in New York.

“I really hope to retire as a Yankee," Rizzo said.

This statement might come as a surprise to some given the fact that his name will forever be etched in Chicago Cubs history. It's a special return to Wrigley Field where Anthony Rizzo spent the first 10 years of his MLB career, winning a World Series in the process.

Despite Chicago being one of the biggest markets in professional sports, there is something different about donning a New York Yankees jersey and playing in front of that infamous fan base. This is something that Rizzo told Schuyler Dixon of the Associated Press when asked about the move to New York City:

"To be able to live in the city and play at Yankee Stadium is something I wish every baseball player could experience."

Despite his inconsistency during his run with the New York Yankees, Anthony Rizzo and the Bronx Bombers are currently primed for a deep postseason run. Thanks to the heroics of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto this year, the Yankees find themselves as one of the favorites to bring home the World Series.

Anthony Rizzo could become a free agent at the end of the season

While Although Rizzo didn't talk about ending his career anytime soon, there is a chance that he will find himself as an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. The four-time Gold Glove Award winner has a $17 million club option for the 2025 season, and if the New York Yankees opt to decline it, he will hit the open market.

It remains to be seen what the Yankees do with Rizzo's 2025 contract and also their plans at first base. There is no clear replacement for Rizzo as the team's everyday first baseman, which could help him stick around in 2025. If not, there's always the chance that Rizzo could consider hanging his boots up if he truly wants to retire with New York.