Imagine being key players on a team that just played in a World Series final, only to find yourself without a team just months later. That’s the reality for Alex Verdugo and Anthony Rizzo, two former staples of the New York Yankees’ 2024 roster. Now, they are left to wonder: what went wrong? As their future hangs in limbo as MLB teams seemed to have moved on!
In the case of Anthony Rizzo, 2024 was a not-so-impressive one. The 34-year-old first baseman had been battling through the inevitable decline, with a career-worst .335 slugging percentage, the lowest among the Yankees. His power was gone, and so was his once-great defensive prowess. And as a result, his phone remained dead silent this offseason.
However, in Verdugo’s case, it’s not that straightforward. In 2024, he had a decent but largely unremarkable performance. A .647 OPS is not what a team expects from an everyday left fielder, and even his solid defense couldn’t save him from being deemed replaceable. So now, MLB analyst Eric Hosmer has come to their defense. He is in serious doubt on why players with such potential could be left without an offer?
Hosmer offered up his take on X, writing, “How we living in a world where the everyday LF and 1B for the New York Yankees World Series team don’t have jobs after the first MLB game of the season. Not even an offer for one of them!”
How we living in a world where the everyday LF and 1B for the New York Yankees World Series team don’t have jobs after the first MLB game of the season. Not even an offer for one of them!
— Eric Hosmer (@TheRealHos305) March 18, 2025
On the flip side though, the reactions from Yankees fans to this surprising post has been nothing short of passionate. The reactions being mostly critical, with many expressing frustration and disappointment over the players’ performance. On social media, the sentiment is clear: many are ready for the team to move on and find players who can contribute at a higher level.
Yankees fans weigh in: time to move on!
As the 2025 season approaches, New York Yankees fans are making their voices heard loud and clear. With Alex Verdugo and Anthony Rizzo still without a team, the frustration is palpable. For the Yankees’ faithful it’s clear – it’s time for the Yankees to move on, with one fan saying: “Tell us you didn’t watch any Yankees games last year without telling us.”
It’s hard to believe anyone who watched the Yankees last season could make a defense for Rizzo or Verdugo. Their struggles were painfully evident every time they stepped on the field. If Eric had been following their performances, he’d know exactly why they’re still looking for a new home in 2025. The eye test alone tells the whole story. One fan thus was compelled to comment: “I’d rather sign you than Rizzo“.
And honestly, that’s not even a stretch! If you asked most Yankees fans, they’d take just about any fresh face over Rizzo at this point. The decline in his bat power was shocking, and his defensive prowess wasn’t enough to justify his continued spot. And with a new player, there is potential for something fresh!
Sometimes the truth hurts, but it’s hard to argue with the facts, and another fan hit right where it hurts with their tweet: “Because both of them aren’t good“. Neither Rizzo nor Verdugo was able to provide the spark the Yankees needed last season. Whether it was Rizzo’s shocking lack of power or Verdugo’s inability to live up to his potential, both fell short of expectations, as another fan noted, “They both suck if we are being honest.” There is a reason they are on the free-agent market this season.
Let’s not sugarcoat it—when a player is underperforming on such a large stage, it’s tough to ignore. Both Anthony Rizzo and Alex Verdugo had their moments, but those moments were few and far between. It’s hard to imagine either of them getting back to form after a season that left so much to be desired. This fan hit the nail on the head, saying, “I mean just cus u played for a certain team the year before doesn’t mean u automatically deserve a spot.”
Exactly! The Yankees may have given them starting roles last season, but that doesn’t automatically guarantee them a spot this year. Baseball is a performance-driven league, and if you can’t deliver, teams will move on—no matter what team you were on last year. The game is ever-evolving and so should be the roster!
In the end, the reality for Rizzo and Verdugo is clear: performance speaks louder than past accolades. While both players have had their moments in the spotlight, their underwhelming 2024 seasons have left many questioning their future in the game. While there might be surprises around them not being with a team, it’s a reminder that in baseball, no player is guaranteed a spot based on reputation alone.
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