The New York Yankees have decided not to pick up Anthony Rizzo’s club option for 2025. Instead of the $17 million salary, Rizzo will receive a $6 million buyout and enter free agency.
Rizzo, previously considered one of MLB’s top players, has struggled significantly over the past season and a half. His recent performance includes a .237 batting average, a .315 on-base percentage, and a .358 slugging percentage, with an 88 OPS+ and 20 home runs across 710 at-bats in the last two seasons.
As the Yankees search for a new first baseman, Christian Walker’s name has been frequently mentioned. MLB Trade Rumors’ top 50 free agents list predicts that Walker may end up signing with the Yankees.
MLB Trade Rumors suggests that Walker’s age is a key reason for his contract length, as he played the past season at 33 and will turn 34 by spring training. Despite his solid performance and superior defense, age makes it less likely for him to secure a longer-term deal.
They compare Walker’s situation to Jose Abreu, who received a similar three-year, $58.5 million deal at age 36, though that contract has been viewed as problematic due to performance decline.
In Walker’s case, the $60 million deal over three years seems fair, aligning with market trends for first base/designated hitter players at this stage in their careers.
