What Happened to Anthony Vincent Rizzo?
Anthony Rizzo, a prominent first baseman known for his leadership and defensive prowess, retired from Major League Baseball in September 2025 after a 14-season career highlighted by a 2016 World Series championship with the Chicago Cubs. Following his retirement, he transitioned into an ambassadorial role with the Cubs and has since embarked on a broadcasting career, joining NBC Sports as a lead MLB studio analyst and co-hosting a podcast.
Quick Answer
Anthony Rizzo retired from Major League Baseball in September 2025, concluding a 14-season career that included a 2016 World Series title with the Chicago Cubs and stints with the New York Yankees. He subsequently took on an ambassador role with the Cubs. As of March 2026, Rizzo has embarked on a broadcasting career, joining NBC Sports as a lead MLB studio analyst and co-hosting a podcast, "Lovable Reunion," with former teammate David Ross, focusing on the 2016 Cubs season.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Drafted by Boston Red Sox
Anthony Rizzo was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the sixth round of the Major League Baseball draft out of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
MLB Debut with San Diego Padres
Rizzo made his Major League Baseball debut with the San Diego Padres.
Traded to Chicago Cubs
Rizzo was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he would become a cornerstone of the franchise.
Wins World Series with Chicago Cubs
Rizzo played a pivotal role in the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series, ending a 108-year championship drought.
Awarded Roberto Clemente Award
Rizzo received the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award for his outstanding character, community involvement, and philanthropy.
Traded to New York Yankees
Rizzo was traded by the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees.
Signs 2-year, $40M contract with Yankees
Rizzo agreed to a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Yankees, which included a $17 million team option for 2025.
Shut Down for Season Due to Concussion
The New York Yankees announced that Rizzo would miss the remainder of the 2023 season due to post-concussion syndrome, stemming from an injury in May.
Suffers Fractured Right Forearm
Rizzo fractured his right forearm in a collision during a game against the Boston Red Sox, sidelining him until September 1.
Yankees Decline 2025 Option, Becomes Free Agent
The New York Yankees declined their $17 million club option for Anthony Rizzo for the 2025 season, making him a free agent.
Announces Retirement from MLB
Anthony Rizzo officially announced his retirement from professional baseball after 14 seasons and rejoined the Chicago Cubs organization in an ambassador role.
Considers Playing for Team Italy in WBC
Reports emerged that Rizzo was considering an invitation to play for Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Reported to Join NBC's MLB Coverage
News broke that Rizzo was finalizing a deal to become a lead MLB studio analyst for NBC Sports' 2026 baseball coverage.
Officially Announced as NBC Sports MLB Analyst
NBC Sports officially announced that Anthony Rizzo, along with Clayton Kershaw and Joey Votto, would join their MLB pregame coverage for the 2026 season.
Launches 'Lovable Reunion' Podcast with David Ross
Rizzo and former Cubs teammate David Ross announced the launch of their new podcast, which will revisit stories and memories from the 2016 Cubs championship season.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Anthony Rizzo's professional baseball career spanned 14 seasons, establishing him as one of the most respected first basemen in MLB. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2007, he made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres in 2011 before being traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2012, where he became a franchise icon. Rizzo was a cornerstone of the Cubs' historic 2016 World Series championship team, ending a 108-year drought for the franchise. During his tenure with the Cubs, he earned three All-Star selections, four Gold Glove Awards, a Silver Slugger Award, and the Roberto Clemente Award in 2017, recognizing his character and community involvement.
In July 2021, Rizzo was traded to the New York Yankees, where he continued his career for several seasons. His 2023 season was significantly impacted by a concussion sustained in May, which led to post-concussion syndrome and ultimately shut him down for the remainder of the season in September. Despite declaring himself healthy for the 2024 season, Rizzo faced further injury setbacks, including a fractured right forearm in June that kept him out for two months. He made his last MLB appearance on September 28, 2024.
Following the 2024 season, the Yankees declined Rizzo's $17 million club option for 2025, making him a free agent. After remaining unsigned through early 2025, Rizzo announced his retirement from professional baseball on September 10, 2025. He returned to the Chicago Cubs organization in an ambassadorial role, solidifying his legacy with the team.
As of early 2026, Rizzo has transitioned into a prominent media career. In January 2026, reports indicated he was finalizing a deal to join NBC's MLB coverage, which was officially announced in February 2026, positioning him as a lead MLB studio analyst for the network's return to baseball broadcasting. Additionally, on March 25, 2026, Rizzo and former Cubs teammate David Ross announced the launch of their new podcast, "Lovable Reunion," which will feature interviews with members of the 2016 championship squad. There were also reports in December 2025 that Rizzo was considering an inquiry to play for Team Italy in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, showcasing a potential brief return to the field for international competition.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Anthony Vincent Rizzo made different choices?