The New York Yankees made some waves late Tuesday night with the announcement of the re-signing of Anthony Rizzo. This marks the second major move for the Yankees after acquiring Josh Donaldson and Isiah Kiner-Falefa earlier this week.
Source confirms: Anthony Rizzo in agreement with Yankees on two-year, $32M contract. First with agreement: @JesseRogersESPN
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 16, 2022
Rizzo the Yankee
The Yankees originally acquired Rizzo at last year’s trade deadline in a deal that saw the Yankees send two lower-level prospects and cash to the Chicago Cubs. Rizzo added a bit of a spark since coming to the Bronx and quickly became one of the team’s few clutch player. In the one game Wild Card, Rizzo was one of only four Yankees to record a hit with his sixth inning home run.
Before New York, Rizzo was the face of the Cubs when they broke their infamous World Series drought. While Rizzo’s bat has slipped over the past couple of seasons, he has always been known for his glove, winning four Gold and one Platinum Glove. The Yankees will hope that a full season in the Bronx and a short porch will help Rizzo re-discover his glory days.
The Ones that Got Away
While Rizzo will lockdown first base for the foreseeable future, this likely ends the Yankees’ pursuit of Freddie Freeman. Meanwhile, the Yankees were also believed to be interested in former Oakland A, Matt Olson, who was recently acquired by the Braves to replace Freeman.
Although, if Freeman does sign with the Boston Red Sox or Toronto Blue Jays, Rizzo does have Freeman’s number on the bump.
2021 Award for Most Entertaining Strikeout by a Position Player Pitching. 🏆
Winner: Anthony Rizzo vs. Freddie Freeman pic.twitter.com/toeLhQzoWN
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) December 8, 2021
This signing also marks the end of Luke Voit’s time as the everyday starter in the Bronx. Voit, who led the league in home runs in 2020, could still see time at first or as a DH in the event that he is not traded. The Yankees will need to answer some questions around former MVP finalist DJ LeMahieu and Gleyber Torres, who will likely compete to become the everyday starter at second base.
Please be sure to follow Bronx Pinstripes for every major Yankees trade and signing this offseason.
