Anthony Rizzo is retiring as a Chicago Cub after a 14-year MLB career, the team announced Wednesday.
Rizzo, 36, spent parts of 10 seasons in Chicago and will be honored on Saturday at Wrigley Field ahead of the Cubs’ game against the Tampa Bay Rays, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers. In retirement, the longtime first baseman will become an ambassador for the franchise.
“Anthony Rizzo was the face of one of the most successful eras in Chicago Cubs history and we are so excited he will be a part of our organization for many years to come,” said Cubs executive chairman Tom Ricketts in a statement. “His play on the field spoke for itself and was recognized with multiple All-Star appearances, Gold Glove Awards, the Roberto Clemente Award and, ultimately, being a team leader on the 2016 World Series championship team.”
After being drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007, Rizzo was dealt to the San Diego Padres as part of the Adrián González deal. After four seasons in the minors, Rizzo made his MLB debut with the Padres in 2011 and played 49 games. That offseason, he was on the move again, this time to the Cubs, with whom he established himself as a key member of what would become a championship roster.
Advertisement
Rizzo recorded his best seasons with the Cubs, reaching 30 home runs and 100 RBI four times while appearing in three All-Star Games and earning four Gold Glove Awards at first base, including a Platinum Glove. He won a Silver Slugger Award in 2016, and he was named the 2017 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award.
Rizzo had a career year in 2016, when he hit a career-high 32 home runs and recorded 109 RBI. That postseason, he batted .277 with three home runs — including a blast off Clayton Kershaw in Game 6 of the NLCS — and 10 RBI as the Cubs snapped their 108-year championship drought by winning the World Series in seven games against Cleveland.
Advertisement
Rizzo caught Kris Bryant’s throw from third base for the final out.
After nearly a decade in Chicago, Rizzo’s time with the Cubs came to an end when he was dealt to the New York Yankees at the 2021 trade deadline. He played parts of four seasons in the Bronx and finished his career winning an AL pennant with New York and playing in another World Series in 2024.
Rizzo’s 242 home runs with the Cubs are sixth-most in franchise history, behind only Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo and Ryne Sandberg. Rizzo is also in the team’s record books as the player to have been hit by the…