Changes are coming the Bronx.

After losing the World Series to Los Angeles Dodgers in five games, the New York Yankees are already preparing for next season.

The team announced Saturday that it had declined first baseman Anthony Rizzo’s $17 million team option for 2025, making the veteran a free agent. The Yankees owe Rizzo a $6 million buyout.

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New York Yankee Anthony Rizzo throws his helmet after striking out the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning of Game 2 of the World Series, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rizzo, 35, struggled this season, hitting just .228 with eight home runs while playing in 92 games. Once known as one of the best defenders in the sport, Rizzo’s defense became unreliable late in the season.

Rizzo was acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the 2021 trade deadline to help add a left-handed bat to the lineup. He was also one of the leaders in the Yankees clubhouse alongside captain Aaron Judge.

The first baseman suffered two broken fingers when he was hit by a pitch late in the season and missed the Yankees’ ALDS win over the Kansas City Royals. Rizzo returned for the ALCS and World Series and had a .267 average with a .421 on-base percentage through 10 games.

CLAYTON KERSHAW, WHO COULD NOT CELEBRATE THE 2020 WORLD SERIES, AGREES DODGERS FANS WITH EPIC SPEECH

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole, center, is pulled by manager Aaron Boone, left, as first baseman Anthony Rizzo (48) puts a hand on Cole’s shoulder during the seventh inning of Game 5 of the Baseball World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. , Wednesday October 30, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Rizzo said after the Yankees’ Game 5 loss that he had no plans to retire and wanted to continue playing.

Ben Rice played first base while Rizzo was injured during the season and is among the players who could potentially replace Rizzo next season.

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New York Yankee Anthony Rizzo throws his bat after hitting a fly ball against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the fifth inning of Game 4 of the World Series of Baseball, Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

The Yankees closed in on Luke Weaver’s $2.5 million option for next season on Friday.

This decision was a no-brainer for the Yankees. Weaver became one of the team’s best relievers and was exceptional during his postseason, with a 1.76 ERA in 12 games.

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