ONE LAST REQUEST FOR THE YANKEES TO SIGN ANTHONY RIZZO

Anthony Rizzo, once the heart and soul of the Cubs and a beloved Yankee, now finds himself in the baseball wilderness, waiting for a call that may never come. 

Michael Monreal of Just Baseball recently floated the idea that Rizzo might be headed toward retirement, given the sheer lack of interest from MLB teams. "Rizzo is a legend on the north side of Chicago, but his production has fallen off a cliff since leaving," Monreal wrote. "Once a consistent power threat, Rizzo hasn’t hit above .250 since 2019, and his defense has regressed as well. While his leadership and experience could be valuable, his days as an everyday player seem numbered."

And Monreal isn’t wrong. The Yankees were briefly rumored to have considered bringing him back, but then Ben Rice showed up and turned first base into his own personal proving ground. So, what’s left for Rizzo? A desperate team dealing with an injury at first might come knocking with a league-minimum contract, but that’s hardly a fitting sendoff for a guy who’s given so much to the game.

Here’s the thing, though: Rizzo shouldn’t just fade into the baseball ether like a forgotten free agent. No, he deserves better—a proper transition, a farewell tour of sorts, but one with purpose.

Enter: the player-coach role. I know, I know. I've said it before. I need to stress it one last time, folks.

For me, this isn’t some nostalgic gimmick. This is about putting Rizzo in a position where he can still contribute, still lead, and still matter. The Yankees have a clubhouse that could use his steady presence. Aaron Boone can barely manage a lineup card, let alone maintain clubhouse morale. Rizzo, however, is a natural leader, a glue guy who keeps spirits high and egos in check.

Let’s be real—the Yankees can afford this. Giving Rizzo a one-year deal to be a mentor, a backup first baseman, and a dugout presence wouldn’t break the bank. Plus, imagine the impact he could have on the young guys. The man knows what it means to play under the bright lights of New York. He could teach the next generation how to handle the pressure, how to navigate slumps, and most importantly, how to carry yourself in the Bronx.

Rizzo’s playing career might be on its last legs, but his baseball IQ and leadership? Those are still MVP-caliber. If the Yankees are smart (big if), they’d recognize that and give him a role that fits. Let him ride out one last year in pinstripes, easing into retirement while shaping the next wave of Yankees talent.

Because, really, what’s the alternative? Watching him awkwardly hang around free agency until he calls it quits in silence? That’s not the Rizzo way. Give the man his sendoff, and let him do what he does best—lead, inspire, and maybe even crank out a few more homers for old time’s sake.