(670 The Score) A Cubs legend is leaving the game in fitting fashion.
Three-time All-Star first baseman and 2016 World Series champion Anthony Rizzo will retire as a Cub and join the organization as an ambassador, the team announced Wednesday. The 36-year-old Rizzo will make the move official on Saturday, when he'll be honored at Wrigley Field. Rizzo had remain unsigned this season after last playing for the Yankees in 2024.
Rizzo now exits the game with recognition from a Cubs team that he was the heart and soul of while playing on the North Side from 2012-’21. Rizzo hit .272 with 242 homers and an .861 OPS in his 10 seasons with the Cubs while also winning four Gold Glove awards. Rizzo was an All-Star in 2014, 2015 and 2016, with his rise to stardom helping the Cubs take off on their championship path.
"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,” Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts said 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. Who could forget Anthony catching Kris Bryant’s throw from third base for the final out that clinched the series?
"In addition, he was an inspiration to so many off the field through his foundation and his work with cancer research. Anthony's professional career on the field might be complete, but it will be great to share this next chapter with him here with the Cubs. On behalf of the Cubs organization, we all congratulate Anthony for a memorable and successful playing career. We know the best is yet to come for him, his wife, Emily, and their family. We look forward to their rejoining our Cubs family as we create new memories for fans."
Rizzo was a centerpiece as the Cubs broke a 108-year championship drought to win the World Series in 2016 in a seven-game series against Cleveland. He had a monster regular season, hitting .292 with 32 homers, 109 RBIs and a .928 OPS. Rizzo then hit .277 with three homers and 10 RBIs in 17 playoff games. He recorded the putout on a throw from teammate Kris Bryant to secure the final out of the dramatic Game 7, forever cementing his legacy in Chicago.
The Cubs dealt Rizzo to the Yankees at the trade deadline in 2021. He had a strong 2022 season (32 homers, .817 OPS) before his production dipped and injuries plagued him the next two seasons.