The New York Yankees have made several notable moves since missing out on Juan Soto, who inked a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets.
They’ve added Paul Goldschmidt and Max Fried, while also trading for Cody Bellinger and Devin Williams. The acquisition of Goldschmidt likely signals the end of any chances for Anthony Rizzo to return to the Bronx.
When projecting Opening Day lineups for 2025, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report suggested that Rizzo could reunite with the San Diego Padres, where his MLB career began.
“A reunion with Anthony Rizzo makes sense for both sides as the Padres look to add another bat on the left side of the infield and the 35-year-old tries to catch on with a contender. The Padres acquired Rizzo from the Red Sox prior to the 2011 season in the Adrian Gonzalez blockbuster, and he spent a year with the club before he was traded again to the Cubs,” Reuter wrote.
Rizzo struggled in 2024 with the Yankees, posting a .228/.301/.335 slash line, eight home runs, 35 RBIs, and a .637 OPS, along with an OPS+ of 81.
Given his lackluster production, losing Rizzo wouldn’t be a significant blow for the Yankees, and a fresh start might benefit him. With Goldschmidt now entrenched at first base, there doesn’t appear to be room for Rizzo on the Yankees’ roster.
The team is likely to focus on other needs this offseason, particularly at third base and left field—positions Rizzo obviously doesn’t address.
Nonetheless, it will be intriguing to see where the former Yankees slugger lands. The Padres seem like a logical fit, but it’s clear Rizzo’s time in New York is over.
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