Yankees Expected to Re-Sign $135 Million All-Star Infielder
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report predicted that Aaron Boone and the New York Yankees will bring back first baseman Anthony Rizzo.
Although Opening Day for the 2025 MLB season is just two weeks away, the Yankees could still make a late move to add a player. While many experts believe the Yankees will focus on improving their starting rotation due to recent injuries, Rymer projected on March 12 that they could re-sign Anthony Rizzo.
“Rizzo, 35, has seen little action this offseason, but he expressed a strong desire to continue his career last month,” Rymer explained. “Though he hasn’t been the same since suffering a concussion in 2023, the three-time All-Star might find a spot with a team needing a left-handed bat at first base or DH.”
Rymer also suggested Rizzo could provide some relief for Giancarlo Stanton at DH.
The Yankees acquired Rizzo from the Chicago Cubs at the 2021 trade deadline, and the first baseman has spent the last three and a half years in New York. Last season, Rizzo posted a .228/.301/.335 slash line with eight home runs, 35 RBI, and 38 runs in 92 games.
Over his 12-year MLB career, Rizzo has earned more than $135 million, making three All-Star teams with the Cubs between 2014 and 2016.
Could the Yankees Re-Sign Anthony Rizzo?
This offseason, the Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt to play first base, leaving little need for Rizzo in that position. However, the Yankees are set to start the 2025 season without Stanton, who is dealing with injuries in both elbows. His recovery timeline is uncertain, and surgery may be required.
In Stanton’s absence, the Yankees may turn to backup catchers Ben Rice and J.C. Escarra as DH options.
“Given the injuries in camp, the Yankees could carry three catchers to begin the season,” noted MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “Rice and Escarra have both shown promising bats in Spring Training, so they could rotate as DH.”
However, Rice has only played 50 MLB games, all of which were last season, and Escarra has not yet made his big-league debut.
Re-signing Rizzo would give the Yankees a more seasoned left-handed bat. In his three and a half years with New York, Rizzo batted .234 with a .735 OPS, totaling 60 home runs, 172 RBI, and 192 runs in 370 games.
With 14 years of MLB experience, Rizzo is a career .261 hitter with a .828 OPS. The Yankees could start the season testing their young catchers in the DH role. If they struggle, bringing back Rizzo would provide a reliable veteran presence.