Former Cubs' hero may have 2025 return in sight following Giancarlo Stanton injury

Former Chicago Cubs star first baseman Anthony Rizzo is still a free agent with Opening Day coming next week, and the New York Yankees should consider bringing him back to make up for an onslaught of recent injuries.

Although the Yankees don't need Rizzo to start at first base, since they signed Paul Goldschmidt and have Ben Rice as a backup, Rizzo could be utilized as designated hitter depth. The Yankees' primary DH for the past several years has been Giancarlo Stanton, who is again facing a serious injury before the season has even gotten underway. Stanton hasn't swung a bat since January after tearing tendons in both of his elbows. The most recent update from Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Stanton will begin the season on the injured list, leaving a massive hole in the lineup.

Rice is expected to pick up some of the DH slack, but the 26-year-old posted lackluster results in his first year in the majors last season. Over 178 plate appearances, Rice slashed .171/.264/.349, with 7 home runs and a wRC+ of 73. Although he's having a fine Spring Training, with 5 home runs and a 143 wRC+, the Yankees could look to bolster the position with Rizzo.

Anthony Rizzo may finally have a path toward playing in 2025

Although he's certainly in the twilight of his playing career, Rizzo said he wants to continue building on his 14-year career in an interview with The Athletic. The 35-year-old also implied that he doesn't want a minor-league contract and that he realizes his playing days could be over since teams haven't shown interest in him this winter.

With the opening at DH, the Yankees should explore what it would take to bring Rizzo back to New York. Although he was not good at the plate in 2024, posting a .636 OPS in 92 games, it was only a few years ago (2022) that the first baseman launched 32 home runs in the Bronx. Plus Rizzo is an enigmatic clubhouse presence with plenty of postseason experience to offer a guy like Rice especially.

Rizzo could also provide depth at first, as Goldschmidt (who is two years older than Rizzo) is currently dealing with back tightness.

For Cubs fans, it would be fun to see Rizzo get one more shot in MLB. It feels like he still has more to offer if someone would just take a shot on him. If not, one would think that Rizzo would return to the Cubs' organization in some form or another. The guy spent about a decade of his life manning first base for the Cubs, with three All-Star appearances, 242 home runs, and a World Series curse break. It would be a sight to see Rizzo and Sammy Sosa giving young Cubs hitters swing tips together during Spring Training. And you can imagine how fans will go mad at the next Cubs convention Rizzo attends.