Yankees Suggested to Make Strange Move for Chicago Cubs Legend

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Apr 4, 2025 8:00 AM ET

There are always benefits in having veteran players around a clubhouse. The Chicago Cubs are fortunate to have a few veteran guys who will help the youngsters figure out the ins and outs of Major League Baseball.

Former Chicago legend Anthony Rizzo is the perfect example of that. Rizzo isn’t the player he once was, and remains without a team, but there’s reason to believe he could be a perfect fit for a few squads.

That might be his former team, the New York Yankees, with Bleeding Yankees Blue urging them to sign him as a mentor.

“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,” Bleeding Yankees Blue wrote.

The Yankees are in a position to win right now, similar to the Cubs, meaning that adding a player to sit on the bench and bring good vibes might not be at the top of their priority list. However, for these exact reasons, the Cubs could also make sense.

If the Yankees or Cubs would consider a reunion with Rizzo, they also have to understand that his production isn’t close to what it once was.

Rizzo is coming off the worst season of his career, posting an 81 OPS+ and hitting just eight home runs.

At this stage, he’s a negative player.

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

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