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Juan Soto Reacts to MLB Star’s Retirement Decision on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Sep 10, 2025 4:06 PM ET

On Wednesday, it was announced that veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo is officially retiring from the MLB. Rizzo's career ends with three All-Star trips, three times finishing in the top 10 in MVP voting, and four Gold Glove awards, a Platinum Glove winner in 2016 and a Silver Slugger winner. He was also a part of the Chicago Cubs' World Series-winning team in 2016.

Rizzo spent time with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres across 14 MLB seasons.

With Rizzo hanging it up, he will be on hand on Saturday as the Cubs host the Tampa Bay Rays and he will join the team as an ambassador.

Rizzo last played for the Yankees in 2024, hitting 12 home runs with 41 RBI in 92 games in the Bronx.

After the news came, his former Yankees teammate Juan Soto sent him a congratulations message on Rizzo's Instagram post.

"Congrats Rizz!" Soto wrote.

Rizzo's Instagram post had a caption that read, "This game gave me everything. 14 years later, I’m retiring with nothing but gratitude."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anthony Rizzo (@arizz_44)

Rizzo and Soto were teammates with the Yankees, although Soto signed a massive 15-year, $765 million deal to join the Mets after just one season in the Bronx.

Still, the Yankees' lineup with Soto and Rizzo was a fun one to watch during their run to the World Series.

After the 2024 season, the Yankees declined Rizzo's option after he finished a two-year, $34 million deal he had signed in 2022.

He then headed for free agency but did not agree to terms with any team, and now the 36-year-old slugger is calling it a career.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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