"Anthony Rizzo is a shell of his former self" - Mets sportscaster sees "no scenario" of ex-Yankees free agent in Queens

Anthony Rizzo is among the first basemen still available in the free agent market after the New York Yankees bought out the team option on his contract for 2025. New York Mets sportscaster Evan Roberts believes the three-time All-Star is not close to being the elite first baseman he was earlier in his career and that there is no chance he will take up an everyday role for the New York Mets next season.

The Mets are looking for a first baseman after Pete Alonso joined free agency at the end of the season.

Roberts analyzed the first baseman situation for the Mets on his podcast this Sunday.

"What concerns me about Rizzo, besides the fact that you are now looking at the last year and three quarters of being ineffective, is that getting to watch him every day, his defense also declined," Roberts said. "Anthony Rizzo is a shell of his former self. This is a guy that won a Gold Glove five years ago in Chicago; he won a bunch of them. Watching him with the Yankees, he wasn't the same guy ( starting at 35: 50).

"He has been a very nonproductive player. I mean, he was awful last year. Two years in a row now he has barely played," Roberts added. "There is no scenario where I'm bringing Anthony Rizzo in."

Rizzo suffered a post-concussion syndrome following a collision with San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. in 2022. His offensive production has dropped sharply in the two seasons since the incident.

Evan Roberts feels Anthony Rizzo could be backup first baseman for Mets if they sign Alex Bregman

Rizzo has been a below-average hitter over the previous two seasons (Image Source: Imagn)

Mets analyst Evan Roberts believes Anthony Rizzo could be a good option as a backup first baseman and part-time DH for the New York Mets, if they sign Alex Bregman to play third base. He thinks he could mentor current third baseman Mark Vientos if the latter moves on to take the first base role for the Mets next season.

"The one place where I'll be okay is with Anthony Rizzo coming in as a backup for Mark Vientos and as a part-time designated hitter," he said.

Rizzo played 10 years for the Chicago Cubs and was an integral part of their 2016 World Series-winning team. He was traded to the New York Yankees in 2021 but could not quite live up to the expectations in the Bronx.