Anthony Rizzo’s MLB Farewell Approaches with Heartfelt Cubs Tribute and WBC Comeback Surprise
Anthony Rizzo’s final hit in Major League Baseball unfolded on October 28, 2024, during a tense World Series clash against the Los Angeles Dodgers. With the Dodgers leading 4-0 in the seventh inning and holding a two-game advantage in the series, Rizzo faced reliever Daniel Hudson. Hudson delivered a 96.1 MPH fastball that found its way directly over the plate, and Rizzo capitalized, sending it into right field for a single at Yankee Stadium.
Despite Rizzo’s effort, the Yankees would end up losing that game, and just two nights later, the Dodgers celebrated their championship in the Bronx. Shortly after, Rizzo’s option was declined, and he entered free agency, marking an unexpected end to his storied tenure with New York. The 2024 season had brought the Yankees back to the Fall Classic, but for Rizzo, it would be his last appearance in the big leagues.
A Season to Forget
The year had not been kind to Rizzo at the plate, as he struggled with a .228 batting average, .301 on-base percentage, and a .335 slugging percentage over 375 plate appearances. His defensive performance also suffered, resulting in a -3 Outs Above Average rating, according to Baseball Savant. As teams assessed their rosters, interest in Rizzo waned significantly.
A Cubs Tribute and a Possible Return
In a surprising turn of events, Rizzo signed with the Chicago Cubs—not to play, but to receive a well-deserved tribute from the organization he once led to a World Series title. The Cubs are planning a special send-off for Rizzo in September, honoring his contributions to the franchise. However, there may still be some baseball left in Rizzo’s tank. According to reports from 670 The Score, Italy’s World Baseball Classic (WBC) general manager, Ned Colletti, reached out to Rizzo about joining the Italian national team this spring. Rizzo is currently weighing his options regarding this potential return to the diamond, having last represented Italy in the 2013 WBC shortly after his inaugural season with the Cubs.
Rizzo’s Career and Legacy
Rizzo’s legacy in baseball is substantial, even if he may not find himself enshrined in Cooperstown. Over the course of his career, he compiled a .261 batting average, a .361 on-base percentage, and a .467 slugging percentage across 7,336 plate appearances. He belted 303 home runs, maintained a 125 wRC+, and accrued 35.8 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), according to Fangraphs. Rizzo was not only a force at the plate; he was recognized for his defensive prowess as well. He earned a Gold Glove award in 2016 and maintained that high standard with additional awards from 2018 to 2020.
As Rizzo approaches the next chapter of his life, both the Cubs and the baseball world are ready to honor a player whose impact transcends statistics, embodying leadership, resilience, and the spirit of the game. The anticipation surrounding his potential WBC comeback adds an intriguing layer to an already emotional farewell.
