Anthony Rizzo addressed injuries and recognized the close end of his career as he remained in the free agency market.
The former New York Yankees base, 35, became a free agent when the Bronx bombers rejected their $ 17 million option and gave him a purchase of $ 6 million. This decision increased their professional profits to $ 126.6 million.
Talking with The AtléticoRizzo admitted that he is healthy enough to play while recognizing that his days in the field are numbered.
I have definitely thought about it. I think I still have a lot to give to the game, 'said three times All-Star and four times Gold Glove winner on the first base on Friday.
'But at the same time, if the teams will not want to pay a few million dollars for veterans, I have seen the last 10 years of my career. It is what happens to older boys. They squeeze. You've seen it happen more and more. I am not naive with that. It could be everything.
The Yankees replaced Rizzo signing an even older base, Paul Goldschmidt, at a one -year contract worth $ 12.5 million in the free agency.
Anthony Rizzo opened on his wounds after the New York Yankees rejected their option
The first base played with the Yankees for four seasons after ten years with the puppies.
In the last two seasons, Goldschmidt, 37, decreased offensively after winning the MVP Prize of the National League in 2022.
On the other hand, Rizzo understands why his market is less robust after two married seasons with injuries. However, he insisted that he would not sign an agreement that damaged the potential for future profits of the players behind him.
“Two years ago, I had a strange year with brain shock,” Rizzo said. 'Then last year, I hurt twice. My power numbers fell. I am surprised, but not as crazy crazy just because I am realistic in the game and you are aging. ''
“The fact that the teams want you to play basically for the minimum league ($ 760,000), I am like, you are crazy,” he added. “You are almost trying to ruin the market for the next type.”
Rizzo's injuries in the last two seasons come from incidents largely outside their control. He suffered a brain shock after a first -base collision, a fractured forearm and two broken knuckles after his right hand was hit by a launch.
Despite the injuries, Rizzo had a respectable tiebreaker that showed a batting of .267 with an OPS of .721. After receiving extensive treatment, Rizzo said he would not take his first swings up to about 35 minutes before a game.
Rizzo suffered a collision's brain shock, a fractured forearm and two broken knuckles
“I would be rinsed in the hyperbaric chamber, making each treatment possible only so that this swelling can inject it again,” Rizzo said.
'It was crazy. Obviously, during the regular season, you are not doing anything like that. But you do anything, the world series or the playoff time, to play. It was worth it.
While his future is still uncertain, Rizzo remained inflexible about wanting to play as soon as possible.
'I want to play. I want to win. And I love talking to the game with pitchers, with batters. There is a lot to immerse yourself. Everything that enters that, in the countryside, outside the field, I will continue talking about that with boys. We will only see if I keep playing.