A four-time Gold Glove winner, three-time All-Star, and World Series champion, is an iconic figure in Chicago sports. His legacy extends far beyond his baseball achievements—his charitable work has made a significant impact on the community, and his playful, relatable personality endeared him to Cubs fans. He will forever be remembered for his role in breaking the Cubs’ 108-year World Series drought, especially after catching the final out of one of the most memorable games in history.
However, Rizzo’s performance in his final seasons with the Yankees saw a noticeable decline. Over the last two years, he posted just 0.6 bWAR and averaged 95 games per season. His offensive and defensive abilities have significantly dropped, a common reality for aging players. Time has caught up with him, as it inevitably does with every athlete.
So, does a reunion with the Cubs make sense? While it might seem nostalgic, there could be value in bringing Rizzo back for his experience and leadership. He could mentor Chicago’s younger players, and his presence would inject positive energy into the clubhouse. If Rizzo were willing to take on a bench role, he could provide rest for players like Michael Busch. Given his understanding of his waning star power, he might accept a league-minimum deal to return to Chicago.
Still, as much as it would be nice to relive the 2016 glory days, a reunion with Rizzo might not be practical. He likely wouldn’t be an everyday starter, and his declining skills on both offense and defense would limit his contribution. The Cubs need to focus on players who can make a more significant impact, so, as much as it pains me, I don’t think bringing Rizzo back in 2025 is the right move.
Many Cubs fans dream of a 2025 reunion with Rizzo, especially as the 2016 World Series team fades into memory, with the last remaining player from that squad, Kyle Hendricks, now leaving for the Angels. Some fans hope Rizzo can bring back the magic of 2016, but is it realistic?
Rizzo’s departure from the Cubs on July 29, 2021, was a heartbreaking moment, marking the end of an era. Since being traded to the Yankees for prospects Alexander Vizcaíno and Kevin Alcántara, Rizzo’s time in New York has been a mixed bag. In 2021 and 2022, he was solid, with OPS marks of .768 and .817, and continued to provide strong defense at first base. However, after 2022, his performance took a significant dip.
In August 2023, Rizzo collided with Fernando Tatis at first base and suffered a concussion. Though he initially continued playing, the injury led to post-concussion syndrome, and he has not been the same since.
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