Anthony Rizzo doesn’t feel he needs closure for his upcoming return to Wrigley Field with the Yankees, following his trade from the Cubs three years ago.
Rizzo, who was instrumental in helping the Cubs secure their first World Series title in 108 years in 2016, feels he will always have a unique bond with Chicago.
“I believe that door will always be open in Chicago,” Rizzo remarked. “I have immense respect for the fans there and a deep affection for them and the Cubs.”
He also feels a strong connection to the Yankees, who re-signed him after the 2021 season and again the following year, offering him a $40 million, two-year deal with a team option for 2025.
“As much as we cherish Chicago, I think where we ended up was perfect for us,” he said. Despite his positive feelings for his current team, Rizzo fondly reminisces about his time with the Cubs, particularly the year they won the World Series.
The Cubs’ 2016 championship was a career highlight for Rizzo and occurred midway through his tenure with the team. Before joining the Cubs, he had played for the Red Sox and Padres. “After we won the World Series, the stories and photos of people visiting graves, just the countless stories you still hear,” Rizzo recalled.
“It was incredibly special to see how happy the fans were after the win and in the years that followed. I think anyone on that team would echo the same sentiment.”
Most players from that World Series team have moved on due to trades and free agency, but Rizzo remains in touch with many of them. As he heads to Wrigley Field this weekend, the focus will be as much on the historic ballpark as on the game itself.
Rizzo enjoyed playing at Wrigley Field and has cherished memories of the fans there. “I loved it,” he said of his time at Wrigley. “The fans bring energy every day, much like Yankee Stadium, Fenway, or Dodger Stadium.”
Rizzo mentioned that Fenway Park is his favorite visiting stadium and is eager to experience Wrigley Field from the opposing side this time.
In 2016, Rizzo had an outstanding season with a .292 batting average, 32 home runs, and 109 RBIs, matching his career high for home runs. He was named an All-Star for the third consecutive year and won both a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award.
However, his performance with the Yankees has been less robust, partly due to injuries in the past two seasons. At 35, Rizzo had a concussion last year and recently returned from a right forearm fracture that sidelined him for about 2.5 months.
The Cubs and Yankees have played each other in the past two seasons, but those games were in New York. Rizzo expects a warm welcome from Cubs fans at Wrigley Field.
“It’s going to be awesome,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who often visited Wrigley Field during his time with the Cincinnati Reds.
“He’ll always be a cherished part of their history and loved in that city. I’m sure it’s exciting for him to go back.”
Rizzo also views his trade to the Yankees as a positive development in his career. “Getting traded was like a career refresher,” Rizzo said. “Playing in the city and at Yankee Stadium is an experience I think every baseball player should have. The lights are brighter and bring out the best in you.”
