Anthony Rizzo Signs Multi-Year Deal After Declining Qualifying Offer

It was a foregone conclusion that Anthony Rizzo was going to decline the New York Yankees' qualifying offer of $19.65M. But what wasn't known is what his next move would be. That was revealed pretty quickly, as just minutes after officially turning down the Yanks' QO, he accepted a multi-year deal to stay in the Bronx.

Anthony Rizzo is re-signing with the Yankees on a multi-year deal, source tells @TheAthletic.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 15, 2022

The Rizzo deal is for 2 years, $34M with a club option for $17M for a third year. The buyout in the third year is for $6M.

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) November 15, 2022

The deal is essentially a two-year pact for a guaranteed $40M—$17M AAV with a club option for another $17M for a 3rd year, or a $6M buyout.

Rizzo rejuvenated his career in 2022, blasting over 30 home runs (32) for the first time since 2017. His contact rate was way down, as he batted a career-low .224, but as has been noted, the left-handed hitter should benefit greatly from the banning of the shift in 2023.

He also brings Gold Glove-level defense at first base and clubhouse leadership.

By doing the deal this quickly, the Yankees fended off a chief rival, the Houston Astros, who were rumored earlier in the day to be ready to pounce on Rizzo as a free agent. 

Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports