Anthony Rizzo is enjoying what could be his final days with the Yankees

More than anyone in the Yankees clubhouse, Anthony Rizzo understood what it would take to come back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series.

But the veteran first baseman arrived at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday knowing he could be playing his final game as a Yankee.

Within five days of the conclusion of the World Series – which the Dodgers led 3-0 heading into Game 4 on Tuesday in the Bronx – the Yankees must either secure a $17 million team option on Rizzo for 2025 or secure him for $6 million Buying out dollars.

It's also possible that both sides will try to negotiate a deal at a different price.

“I love playing here,” Rizzo said Tuesday afternoon. “I love being a Yankee. I love what comes with it. I love the standard that has been set here by all generations, the great Yankees of the past.

“Yes, that could definitely be the case [my last game as a Yankee]. I am a realist. I'm not naive about this. But I think all this will be sorted out in due course. It means the most to me to drive to the field and be with this group.”

The 35-year-old Rizzo, who came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the 2016 World Series with the Cubs, has spent this year's ALCS and World Series with two broken fingers on his right hand.

Still, he came into Tuesday's game with a .364 batting average and a .926 OPS, providing an unexpected offensive source at the back of the lineup.

The left-hander, who had endured two injury-filled seasons, was already a respected figure in the Yankees' clubhouse, but only increased that by playing injured in these playoffs.

“He is loved there [the clubhouse]loved by me,” said manager Aaron Boone. “What he's been through on the injury front over the last couple of years, to come back and play through what he's going through right now and play at the level he's playing at, that's a good insight into his playoff ability, his big-game ability.” , his toughness, as I put it, his moxie, his ability to play the game within the game.

“I feel like he's willing to respond on base in certain situations. He has a strong presence in our space.”

However, it remains questionable whether he will stay there next year.

Follow the Post's coverage of the Yankees in the postseason:

The Yankees don't have anyone from the minor leagues knocking on the door to play first base right now – rookie Ben Rice caused a stir this summer when Rizzo was sidelined with a broken forearm, despite being a natural catcher – but Rizzo can get by the two worst regular seasons of his 14-year career.

After hitting .244 with a .706 OPS in 99 games in 2023 – before he was finally diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome after playing through it for two months – he hit .228 in 92 games this season an OPS of .637 This included being out for two and a half months with the forearm injury.

Since Hal Steinbrenner has already said that a $300 million-plus payroll is unsustainable and the Yankees are expected to focus this offseason on trying to re-sign Juan Soto to a hefty contract, it's unlikely that will happen they will bring Rizzo back for $17 million.

But it is not impossible that he will find a way back into the squad next year at a cheaper price.

Meanwhile, Rizzo tried to soak up the final days of the season.

“There is no tomorrow,” Rizzo said. “That really doesn't exist. Today could be our last trip to the ballpark. Today could be the last time this team is ever together – this could be the last time we are ever together.”