Anthony Rizzo becomes free agent after Yankees decline $17M option

Long after Wednesday’s Game 5 and the Yankees’ season had ended, Anthony Rizzo remained in his uniform.

He did not want to take it off after three and a half seasons in The Bronx.

If he returns next season, it would require a new contract.

On Saturday the Yankees declined their 2025 club option on Rizzo, who becomes a free agent.

The Yankees essentially decided he was not worth $11 million; he could have been brought back for $17 million and was bought out for $6 million.

The Yankees, whose depth includes Oswaldo Cabrera and Ben Rice, are now in the market for a first baseman.

Rizzo, at 35, said he still intends on playing after an injury-filled 2024 in which he finished with a .637 OPS in 92 games.

“I feel like I have a lot to offer to this game in a lot of different ways,” Rizzo said.