The Yankees have settled on a first baseman, reportedly agreeing to terms with Anthony Rizzo on a two-year, $32MM guarantee. The deal pays the Sports One Athlete Management client $16MM salaries annually and gives him the opportunity to opt out after the 2022 campaign. The contract is pending a physical.
Rizzo will be returning to the Bronx, where he finished the 2021 season. New York acquired him from the Cubs in advance of the trade deadline, and he hit .249/.340/.428 in 200 plate appearances in pinstripes down the stretch. That was more or less in line with the .248/.346/.446 mark he’d put up in 376 trips to the plate with Chicago over the season’s first couple months.
It was the second straight season of reasonable but unexciting production for Rizzo. He’d posted a .222/.342/.414 line during the shortened 2020 campaign. Going back two seasons, he owns a .240/.343/.432 mark over 819 plate appearances. By measure of wRC+, that production checks in nine percentage points above the league average hitter’s. It’s actually a bit below the standard (.254/.335/.455, 113 wRC+) set by first basemen around the league.
It’s been a rather sharp downturn for Rizzo as he’s entered his 30’s. He broke out with the Cubs in 2014, his age-24 campaign. Over the next six seasons, he never posted a wRC+ below 126. Overall, Rizzo hit .284/.388/.513 between 2014-19, with his 141 wRC+ in that stretch tying for twelfth among 375 qualified hitters.
Rizzo was a lineup anchor for the Cubs as they emerged from their rebuild, and he was also highly-regarded for his leadership and presence in the clubhouse. That combination made him perhaps the face of the Cubs’ most successful run in over a century. He appeared in three consecutive All-Star games from 2014-16, finishing in the top ten in NL MVP voting each season. Rizzo played a key role on Chicago’s curse-breaking World Series winner in 2016, and he remained highly productive for three years beyond that even as the team never recaptured that level of postseason success.
The Yankees would be thrilled with their investment if he were to recapture anything near that form next season. Yet there’s clearly some trepidation around the league regarding Rizzo’s back-to-back relative down years. Just 12 months ago, Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of the Athletic reported that the Cubs had put a five-year, $70MM extension offer on the table. Rizzo declined Chicago’s overture, preferring to bet on himself after his middle-of-the-road 2020 season. After continuing to produce at a similar level over a full schedule in 2021, though, he essentially finds himself accepting a pillow contract and betting on a bounceback once again.
To be sure, Rizzo still does a lot of things well. He continues to boast an enviable combination of contact and raw power. Rizzo’s 81.5% contact rate and 15.1% strikeout percentage last season were both well better than average; so too were his 90.1 MPH average exit velocity and 41.1% hard contact rate. That neither Rizzo’s bat-to-ball skills nor his bat speed have evaporated lend hope he may again find some of his old form.
It’s also possible that forthcoming rules changes could aid Rizzo as he ages (albeit not during the upcoming season). The left-handed hitter has become more pull-oriented over the past two seasons than he’d been throughout his career. Not coincidentally, he has faced a higher rate of defensive shifts that have contributed to lackluster results on balls in play. Rizzo’s .246 batting average on balls in play since the start of 2020 ranks 108th out of 114 qualified hitters. That may continue to be an issue this year, but it’s expected MLB will implement restrictions on defensive shifting beginning with the 2023 campaign.
However one feels about Rizzo’s long-term projection at the plate, there’s not as much question about the value he brings on the other side of the ball. He’s a four-time Gold Glove Award winner who was unanimously well-regarded by public defensive metrics up through 2020. Defensive Runs Saved felt he dropped off in that regard last year, but Statcast’s Outs Above Average remained bullish on his work. Rizzo seems a fairly definitive upgrade with the glove over incumbent first baseman Luke Voit, who has always been a bat-first player — even relative to the lower defensive standards of the position.
With Rizzo back in the fold, it stands to reason Voit’s name will come up in trade talks over the coming weeks. They could coexist as a first base/designated hitter pairing on many rosters, but the Yankees don’t have many DH at-bats to spare. They’ve leaned heavily on the position to keep Giancarlo Stanton from having to shoulder too significant a workload in the outfield. Even if Stanton were capable of assuming more defensive responsibilities than he has in the recent past, New York already has a projected starting outfield of Joey Gallo, Aaron Hicks and Aaron Judge.
More broadly, it has become apparent in recent months the Yankees weren’t fully committed to Voit, the 2020 MLB home run leader. They traded for Rizzo at the deadline, then reportedly came close to pulling the trigger on a subsequent deal that would’ve shipped Voit out over the summer. That never came to fruition, but the Yankees were again tied to bigger names at first base this offseason. New York was in contact with the A’s about Matt Olson before Oakland traded him to the Braves. More recently, they were considered among the top handful of suitors for Olson’s predecessor in Atlanta.
With Rizzo returning to the Bronx, it no longer seems the Yankees will be in that Freddie Freeman mix. The Braves have already moved on to Olson, leaving Freeman’s future home one of the most fascinating remaining storylines of the offseason. Recent reports have generally cast the Dodgers as the leading contender for the 2020 NL MVP, with the Blue Jays, Red Sox and Padres reported to be on the outskirts of his market.
Wherever he ends up, Freeman is sure to command a deal much loftier than the one the Yankees are guaranteeing Rizzo. New York has been wary of making a long-term commitment to free agents this winter, with the desire to work out an extension with Judge seemingly looming over the offseason calculus. Yet the recent trade for Josh Donaldson and today’s agreement with Rizzo solidify that the Yankees will exceed the competitive balance tax threshold in 2022 after dipping below the marker last season.
After today’s agreement, New York has around $244MM in real payroll and $258MM in CBT obligations on the books this year, in the estimation of Jason Martinez of Roster Resource. (Luxury tax calculations are determined by summing contracts’ average annual values and player benefits as opposed to looking strictly at actual year-over-year salaries). They’ll pay a 20% fee on every dollar spent between $230MM and $250MM, as well as a 32% tax on every dollar between $250MM and $270MM. They’d face even higher penalties for exceeding $270MM and $290MM, and it’s not clear how far owner Hal Steinbrenner and the front office are willing to push things this season.
New York will see the salaries of both Aroldis Chapman ($16MM) and Zack Britton ($14MM) come off the books after this year. Judge and Gallo, both of whom have lofty projected arbitration tallies in 2022, will be hitting free agency. There should be decent long-term maneuverability for general manager Brian Cashman and his staff. How much more they’ll do in the short term remains to be seen, but a Voit trade at least looks like a very plausible next step as they try to round out the 2022 roster.
Jordan Brown first reported the Yankees and Rizzo were in agreement on a two-year, $32MM guarantee with an opt-out after 2022. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported he’ll be paid flat salaries of $16MM in each year.
Image courtesy of USA Today Sports.
I had some hope they would get Freeman,
Too much money for someone of the same age.
The deal is looking even better at two years. Way to go Cash!
$32,000,000? Yes way to OVERPAY CASH. Wow nobody would of gave him that kind of $$$
He’s not my favorite player but I think it’s a good move. The infield should be much better defensively and they stayed away from another long term commitment at SS and 1B which is huge.
What’s the latest on a catcher??
His dWAR last year was negative 0.9. His career dWAR is less than 0 too. oWAR wasn’t much better. I fear he’s on a Hosmer trajectory but trust that Yanks brass know what they’re doing.
Huh.
OAA had him as the second best defensive 1B in MLB.
Negative 0.9 dWAR isn’t actually bad at all for a first baseman. It’s a weird stat.
I thought he was solid defensively too, maybe dWAR is a flawed stat.
Cashman is the joke. He is a pathetic GM. The only reason he hasn’t been fired, is because he has the green light to spend endlessly.
dWAR is an awful stat. Have you ever looked at how it’s derived? It’s not even based on the performance of a “replacement level” defensive player, which the name implies.
Someone’s bitter with Yankee envy. I’m not saying who but woof woof.
He was a GGer 2018-2020 GASu so you got that right. Now I’m curious how the stat is derived…
@Yep it is
The word is gaven, as in “of gaven”, not gave.
(There is a fairly high chance that my attempt at humor here is not going to work. However, I read the fine-print and I accept the risk.)
He also had a -6 DRS which was worse than Hosmer.
Dwar is derived by three parts:
W-L%..((league runs/games/2) ^(Runs/games involving the player))/((league runs/game/2)) ^(runs/games involving player)+ ((league runs/game/2) – player defensive runs) ^ (runs/game involving player))
DWAA= (W-L% – .5) * games played
DWRSE= player defensive runs/ ((2 * league runs/game) ^ .715) – ( 2 * ( runs per games involving the player) ^ .715))
Dwar= DWAA + DWRSE
For some perspective, Keith Hernandez, debatably the best fielding first baseman ever, his best dWAR ever was 0.9. You have to understand how the stat works, which I barely do, but it’s just not what it seems. And it basically can never be taken at face value, so to speak.
Luke Voit gets traded for a catcher?
Yes, Voit will fetch the catcher of Ny’s dream: Wil Myers
Best case scenario he improves and you get an appropriately priced first baseman for one year, worst case you have a 32 million dollar roster drag for the next two years. Opt out contracts are grim.
Like a lot of defensive stats it doesn’t pass the eye test. Watching a player over the course of a year you can see where they excel and where they don’t.
Your grammar is worse than the contract.
He would have gotten that elsewhere for sure. Only Yankee haters and Cub fans dislike this signing which are you?
Oh man is he ever. He probably wrecked his mom and dad’s basement out of anger.
His defense is great…as long as he is on the field and not in the clubhouse nursing a bad back.
i’m a Cubs fan, he is great defensively – and it is for the sure the reason of this signing, the Yanks know his bat won’t be worth 16mil
no stat can say what he does in almost completely taking away the sacrifice bunt, he also is great at scooping those 1-hoppers, and he is also great at catching foul balls that would have landed in the stands
but defensive metrics only account for playing 1st as if its 3rd – he isnt going to run 10ft and then make a diving play on a rocket grounder, but thats not really what playing 1st well is all about
and then you add in that he’s literally one of the most wholesome, great dudes in the MLB – thats adding more value for his clubhouse presence
even though KB and Baez are much better bats, there is a very good reason you see all the Cub fans saying “if we could get one of those players back i’d want Rizzo”
Really thought Rizzo was a lock to go back to Yankees. Three years at $15 million per year sounds right. Really great guy, but he could have had more from the Cubs a year ago.
Manny, we just talked about this yesterday and I thought 4, you said less and you were right. I’m happy with this signing. What happens at 1B in two years though, who knows?
Since the beginning of the offseason, I thought Rizzo was going to return to Chicago. Well, I can’t believe that the Rays are still in the mix for Freeman but the Yankees and Braves are likely out now.
I’ll believe the Rays when I see it.
The Rays are only an option if Freeman’s market totally collapses. That’s not happening at this point despite the fact the Yankees are out (if they were ever truly in).
I can’t imagine FF’s market collapsing to the point where TB is able to get involved.
Even a one year deal, they would be outbid by atleast 15 teams
Is Rizzo vaccinated though???
He wasn’t last August. They just paid a lot for a road player
MJ it’s different for outdoor sports in NYC, literally just Kyrie and the ESPN circus that follows.
No, it’s not, as we came to learn today DeBlasio left a parting gift for NYC employees. Then, we found out MLBPA signed off on it. No pay or service time for games missed because of vaccine mandates.
Cash has more work to do, apparently.
@Nostro
or, Rizzo will just get vaccinated. Were no penalties before and I’m sure it’s been discussed prior to the signing. I like the deal. He was star level performance albeit not exciting. He’s a good candidate for a great season. If he has an elite season he can opt out and ask for a more lucrative deal.
It’s not though NYC said it’s applies to Mets and Yanks
Think u mean carton taught us
With connections like his and that kinda cash I’d wager he just as well bought a card and got “vaccinated”
Canada should require getting a booster shot upon arrival at the border. That way people who “bought a vaccine” can make sure they got a real one. It’s about time the jays will have a actual competitive advantage instead of years of being at a competitive disadvantage with various rules or division alignments.
Or maybe start respecting freedom and Liberty again way back to the stone ages of oh 2019.
Adams is likely to drop the vaccine mandate soon. Shouldn’t be a concern (for now, anyway).
And the Yankees commit more money to players in their 30’s who are showing signs of their age. From an offensive standpoint, Voit gives them more than Rizzo will, but they are likely to trade Voit now. Rizzo is a great guy and all but I don’t see this signing improving on what they already have at 1B.
Voit can’t stay on the field and when he can, he can’t play defense, Fortunately, the DH in the NL should open up the trading possibilities a good bit. It will be better for everyone involved.
You forgot something else about the Yankees. That they make the playoffs almost every year.
You mean Voit couldn’t stay on the field Last Year. You had no complaints in 2020.
What’s your point? Because a player had a great healthy season in the past, their health should be judged for that as of today? Your comment makes no sense at all.
Except you’re wrong, sir.
Anthony Rizzo 2021 OPS: .783
Luke Voit 2021 OPS: .764
.783 > .764 = So.
Dorothy, in 2020-2021 combined, Voit had a 132 wRC+ and Rizzo a 109 wRC+, but Rizzo managed to play in 75 more games for 344 more plate appearances.
Being able to stay on the field is a factor in production too. So Voit produced 77 wRC to Rizzo’s 113.
Braves went cheap and Yankees went cheaper. I knew it!
The Braves signed Olson to an 8-year extension at $168M.
Braves got a younger, healthier player and extended him at reasonable dollars. I like the signings for both teams but the Braves deal, especially for the cost, of prospects, was better.
That settles it. Ninja Cash again nabbing his man. Punch the World Series tickets!
I am not excited by the Boston moves (non-moves) or Yankee moves (non-moves) thus far. VERY low energy. Very muddled and unsure of themselves and wondering what kind of teams they want to be. It’s disconcerting living in this new reality but if things stay looking this way it’s going to be Toronto & Tampa Bay at One and Two in this division …then LOTS of games separating them from Three & Four right here.
Changing of the guard in the AL East??? Let’s hope Chaim & Cash will snap out of their lethargic passive/ timid mindsets they find themselves in and right these storied franchises OR it’s sub-.500 for both of them.
I think you’re being harsh. Even if the Sox and Yanks make no further moves they’re both quality teams.
Now let’s go back to the article about Rizzo turning down the cubs offer and see how many idiots thought the cubs should just pay Rizzo a blank cheque.
More often than not the team is being cheaper, it’s being smart. Paying guys market value year to year is far for 30+ year old players, they don’t need 5,6,7 year contracts you simpletons.
Guess: 3/$45MM.
Heard it’s 2 years 32 with a opt out after year one.
I see your up late again my son Donny Boy. Lights out you got school today.
You’re lame, dad.
Yup.
I will assume his vaccination is up to date as well. Good signing. Still have some work to do. But: I like what Cash has been doing.
He refused the vaccine last year, don’t know if getting covid changed his mind. I’d worry about his back. He has had some long stretches of missing games due to it.
https://www.nj.com/yankees/2021/07/getting-to-know-yankees-anthony-rizzo-a-cancer-survivor-who-embraces-nj-roots-and-passed-on-covid-vaccine.html#:~:text=On%20Sept%202%2C%202008%2C%20Rizzo,The%20Anthony%20Rizzo%20Family%20Foundation.
His doctors told him no because of the cancer treatments. The sane thing happened to me. After a year passed they said it was okay, so I did then.
My man!
Dude is big time anti vax
Cause he had cancer he is concerned about the health risks
He’s not anti-vax; he even said he believes the vax is working. But he’s said for his own health safety, he’s opted against it.
He needs to get a new doctor. The risk for cancer survivors is all in NOT getting the vaccine. If that was his concern he should have been first in line.
this comment rules
You are absolutely correct.
Thx CNN. Wrong as usual.
Can you show me the studies, doctor?
Why are right wingers OBSESSED with CNN?
Flagged for misinformation
Because they’re self-loathing insecure dimwits!
Too stupid to think for themselves.
To all you lefties, and I don’t mean southpaw pitchers, we are now into Day 434 of “Build back better!”.
How’s that going for you? Happy? No worries. Tune into CNN or MSNBC and they’ll put a spin on $4.50 gas that will make you feel better at getting ripped a new one each day by the moron you helped elect to POTUS!
Once again we have the old: anyone who disagrees with me is a miserable brainwashed jerk. Open mindedness is being replaced by self righteousness. There are more opinions than just yours.
Good for him.
There is a big difference between being anti vax and not wanting to get the vax.
MikeD26 – Yes, you are right, but it is also true the two stances are not mutually exclusive; you can be anti-vax AND not want to get the vax for health concerns.
Randy Levine is currently meeting with City officials and is expected to have the current mandate reversed before opening day according to more than one article, so I don’t think it will matter. And, that’s exactly why he’s the Yankees team president.
NYC will have its employer vaccine mandate reversed before Opening Day, or if not then shortly thereafter.
(Or if not completely reversed, at least modified enough to allow for baseball players to not fall under it).
But- there is still the matter of road games in Toronto.
Is there a worse run city than NYC? Can’t even ride a subway without getting smacked in the head or pushed onto the tracks. You all got bigger problems than worrying about wearing or not wearing masks.
“Is there a worse run city than NYC?”
Yes. Many. Arguably most.
LA! How about in Oregon, CHOP/CHAZZ, where it was quite literally taken over – haha! And the mayor abandoned the post after encouraging it….. sweeeeeeet job, lady.
3/$48M
2/32 reported.
Yes, even better. The opt out is fair to Rizzo and I like the fact that he will be motivated to RAKE!
How disappointing for Yankees fans
A needed lefty bat in the lineup who is a clear upgrade over Voit? Yeah absolutely devastating.
Lol the delusional rationalization is real. Don’t act like the front office wasn’t linked to Freeman and Olson, both of whom are FAR better, and got neither.
Maybe, but the money and contract length that Freeman is asking for at his age is neither realistic, nor economically rational. The Braves figured that out and made a sensible move. The Yankees got lucky and were forced in that direction, to their benefit.
8manLineup doesn’t see the issue with having 12 long term contracts apparently. Some people don’t understand what “big picture” means.
Here’s something we can both agree on: enjoy finishing behind a team that spends 70% less in payroll than you do.
Maybe they will. Not sure why you’re so concerned with other peoples money. Keep hatin though… we love it!
True, but even FF wasn’t going to change that finish for the Yanks.
I’m sure Rays fans love seeing you on their schedule too.
Bring it
Rizzo had an OPS+ of 111. Voit was 109, Rizzo had better total numbers but he also had more than double the at bats. Even if you just double Voit’s stats it would be more similar. Maybe even better.
Rizzo making 11 million more.. Upgrade can be debated.
Voit can’t stay on the field. NY knows his medical situation better than anyone. There’s a good reason why 1B has been a well known need all off season. Not to mention, even when Voit can stay in the lineup, he’s a complete butcher in the field.
Yeah! Who needs the younger, cheaper player, who just a year ago led the league in HRs! He got injured. Get over it.
How is Rizzo a clear upgrade over Voit. Rizzo’s prime is over.
I like it.
& it was – more or less – inevitable. I’d like to see Cash swing a trade for Wilson Contreras next. Maybe add some innings to the rotation. We look a lot better than we did a week ago though, man.
Good glove, lefty bat, solid clubhouse guy, decent contact rates, and can still hit, just not a peak Rizzo level. Freeman would have been the fun addition, but not at that money. Donaldson, IKF, Rizzo and DJLM gives them a tight defense. I’ll ignore Gleyber for now!
As figured. A two year deal. Wouldn’t want to go more than that.
Pretty much what I see too, Rob.
Also of note: his AAV is significantly less than what Freeman’s will be. If we were in that market – at all – that would imply there’s some ducats left.
Defense is so much better. Cash has been giving us a nice remodel here. I still think we see at least one more significant addition. Wouldn’t be surprised to see multiple.
Agreed, Ducky. He’s not done.
@L99, Yes. I was hoping to keep it to two years. He’s still productive, but three years would be pushing it.
So do the Yanks trade Gleyber and Voit for a catcher? Then play DJ at 2nd for the next 2 years until Rizzo’s contract is up and then move him to first? Cashman is obviously not done making deals at this point.
Voit and prospects for a catcher imo. I like keeping Torres around for the bench although he’s expensive.
I think Voit will be traded. & I think we will trade for a catcher too.
I just think those will be separate deals.
Unless they trade Voit to Oakland for Murphy and add a couple of prospects. Then it’s one deal. Don’t know if I see that happening tho.
As I was saying DBF…Patience is a Virtue. One more Significant Move left in the Ninja and a 40 Man Clean-Up Move. We’ll be ready to Roll
As you know DBF…Patience is a Virtue. One more Significant Move left in the Ninja and a 40 Man Clean-Up Move. We’ll be ready to Roll
DonnieBaseball23: I think Voit will be traded, but not in a deal for a C. I could see Cashman reinforcing CF, which brings me to Ducky’s frequent postulation of Voit for LoCaine in some sort of deal, since Mil Brewers have been fans of Voit. But if a deal is made for C, I think that’ll be a separate deal and will invoke Gleyber and/or prospects.
Luke Voit would work nicely in MIL. Maybe when “The Boss” was making the deals but now, I think it will take more than 36 year old Lorenzo Cain. Maybe if they add MLB ready RP Luke Barker and/or near ready RP Carlos Luna.
@Garry Harris
Brewers fan here, been reported Stearns had interest in Voit last trade-deadline, so with the DH now, I’d imagine the interest on our end just went up.
Cain & prospects might work. Prospects would need to overcome Cain’s negative trade value, unless MKE paid some of his salary.
You think there’s a possibility that IKF becomes a super-utility player and we sign Story to a one or two year deal with high AAV?
Hope Yanks trade Voit to the Phillies. He might hit 45 bombs at CBP.
Or Voit might spend significant time on the IL like last year
Does this officially put them over the CBT as of now?
Ducky, RobM, FSF, YBC, Byron, Joe:
You guys know I wanted Freeman / Olson or I questioned the validity of this move, if Cash does nothing with C. I do think that Rizzo @ 2 yrs, & FF now in what appears to be a bidding war, this may end up better in the long run, so I am going to focus here on our team’s positive movement through the two moves just made.
Cashman took an impossible infield to watch, one that had no adequate SS & in two moves remade them one of the better IF defenses in baseball (not the best, obviously). Also, he took our greatest weakness last year, our offense, and while remaking defense, remade our offense. Compared with last year, this is an entirely different lineup. I believe professor Ducky would write it in this manner:
JD; IKF; Rizzo >>> Gio; Gary; Voit
One more note: clubhouse discipline & leadership. Cash is perceptive & I think he knew he had to address an intangible here that he did with JD & Rizzo – He brought in hyper-competitive JD & consummate leader, Rizzo to get that club out of its funk. So, I’m happy (if we get a C). Not the best we could’ve done, but we use zero prospects, and only gave up 2yrs @ $16M AAV outside of the trade. We didn’t use Freeman money, so Judge extension forthcoming this ST, mark my words.
I agree Clipper. I also like that Donaldson plays with the red a$$. I think we’ve been needing someone with that attitude.
There is a YouTube channel called NNYRecaps that I like a lot and after watching his takes on the trade I’m more on board than I was originally. He also did a good breakdown of the catcher we got (considering the limited info on him) from Minnesota.
Joe: I will check that out. That kid is reported to be GG-caliber, so that’s great news. And, the kid is jacked – he looks like my body double, obviously.
My first thought on him is he is built like Derek Dietrich. Kudos on looking like that.
I believe with this signing, and the upgraded infield defense, NY can get away with having “defense first” catcher(s) and use Voit to help fortify the OF defense. We’re not sure what Hicks is going to bring after a layoff, and Cashman is perceptive, as someone has noted, so I can see another upgrade there, and letting the catchers handle pitchers, game management, etc. To some extent, I believe Sanchez’s problems on defense stemmed from feeling like he had to be a producer, as opposed to taking a “keep the line moving ” mentality. Just my opinion.
@Clip Good stuff. I was never high on Olson/Freeman due to the prospect capital required and/or long-term costs. I’m ok with two backup catchers while more concerned about getting another starter. I also hope that they extend Judge soon and not let this drag out into the next offseason. He’s due ~$17M in arb so just get it done.
Stop it
Neither disappointing nor exciting. Just expected. Yankees were not going to get Freeman. This improves the Yankees a little and they were already a very solid but not extraordinary team. This keeps them very much in the thick of a tough division with Yankees, Toronto, Tampa Bay and Boston all being solid.
Rizzo is a safe choice – as many better options out there as worse. The bellwether for him will be the health of his back. That’s not gonna go away, but you can only hope that issue can be effectively managed over the next 2 years.
You sound like a sore loser who wanted the Yankees to be saddled for 6/200 on a guy who is the same age as Rizzo. The second FF signs, he doesn’t have to do anything he doesn’t want to. With Rizzo’s opt out and two years only guaranteed for a $32M total, he will be VERY motivated to perform. You clearly don’t know baseball if you think most Yankee fans aren’t loving this.
C’mon man, Rizzo is past his prime. Freeman is the better player. I’m not saying Rizzo won’t have a nice year. He might, or he might miss a chunk of the season with his balky back. You sound more like a sore loser by bashing Freeman and assuming he “doesn’t want to” play once he gets paid?! Settle down. Yankees will be fine but you’re being ridiculous with that nonsense.
No one is suggesting that Freeman isn’t the better player today though he was not any better during Rizzo’s peak. But if the option is FF for $150-200 for 5-6 years or Rizzo for 2/32, I’ll take the latter every single time and it’s not even remotely close.
Ok, well, then there’s a lot of other league average players out there to fill out your roster. Enjoy!
Freeman was always much better than Rizzo. Rizzo’s peak was 2014-2019, never once cracking .300. Freeman hit that three times during the same time period, and several times outside that range. Rizzo has never cracked 100 runs scored, Freeman 3 times. Freeman is a much better contact hit. and fantastic first baseman (Rizzo is good).
Lol who the hell said Rizzo is better than Freeman?
You are the same guys that would be mocking the Yankees in a few years for having committed all this big money to old guys.
Cmurphy, are you seriously going to focus on COUNTING STATS to make your point? Oh dear!
What else do you want? All star teams. 5 to 3? MVP 1 to 0? You said Rizzo in his prime was better than Freeman.
I did not say that Rizzo was better but that they were very similar. They both have 6-year peaks of around the same OPS. And Rizzo’s defense during that stretch is MUCH better.
“cracking .300”? Really? Are you actually sitting on a bar stool in 1985, arguing baseball stats through a rift in the space-time continuum?
The worst part is he followed that up with the “accomplishments” of some popularity votes. As if he was bringing the hammer talking about the number of All-Star games played. LOL!
@FSF trying to deflect from his nonsense that started this thread. Typical. Move along.
FF is waaay better than Rizzo at this point.
I’m telling you people that Hal and Cash know that the ML team is old (and – obviously – getting older), are poor defenders, they can’t manufacture runs, their starting pitching is slowly getting better (great pitching coach) but the primary guys in their bullpen are old and overpaid, and the punch line – while NY’ers think the world revolves around them, maybe Yankee fans ought to take a peek outside of their cocoons and have a look at where the Jays, Rays, Red Sox organizations are, and what the Orioles are setting up that’s about to take hold.
So the Yankees will put on a front taking on older guys like Rizzo and Donaldson that keep the fans thinking they’re contending, meanwhile they wait out the bad long-term contracts they have on the books and hope some of their minor leaguers become as good as those the other 4 teams in their division have brought up and are developing. Who exactly have the Yankees brought up the past 3-4 years that’s anywhere near the quality of the youngsters the Jays, Rays, and Red Sox have brought up?
Good to know spring brings out trolling. Thought you needed a slow motorboat for that.
“Trolling”?
I’d suggest your rebuttal was just that.
Witty 2nd sentence. Did you think that one up by yourself?
Yes… trolling as usual Sam and unoriginal.
Samuel ; any chance you can be a bit more negative and pessimistic?? Holy smokes lol.
What are you predicting for the Yanks? 62-100??
He’s just here to try & piss us off.
@ DragBunt;
I’m not being “negative”, I’m doing honest analysis.
The Yankees would be far better off if they went into some sort of ‘rebuild on then fly ‘ – which is sort of what they’re doing, although not to the degree that they need to.
They haven’t been to a WS in 12 years. Yet every single one of those years their fans actually thought they had a good chance to get there, and the national sports media enabled that thinking in order to get clicks on the Internet and eyeballs on Cable TV – which translates into advertising revenue.
MLB FO’s have become incredibly sophisticated and smart the past 5-10 years. Throwing money with long-term contracts at FA’s no longer works. The Yankees FO is far behind the better FO’s – which include the 4 franchises in their division. That’s obvious to most that follow the sport and work in it.
“It’s a young mans game” is both a truism and a cliché in regards to all professional sports. The 4 teams in their division field many young players that have the potential for a nice degree of upside. The Yankees have few players with any potential upside – Florial and a few of the pitchers are it. Most of the players on their roster are old and slowly deteriorating. The Yankees would have pay a good portion of their salaries to get other teams to take them on.
Yankee fans do not know their history. They dominated through the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Between the late 40’s and early 60’s they won 10 AL pennants in 12 years. But that team got old. MLB instituted a draft. The Yankees could no longer just buy the best minor league players – other franchises owners wanted a chance to win. The Yankees stunk for over 10 years – till FA came and George threw money at the name FA’s. Similar rule changes were put in gradually the past 15 years to level the playing field. The Yankees again find themselves trying to throw money at FA’s, only to find that you can’t have a team full of guys that are owed big money while their production is going down.
The Yankees franchise in MLB has been compared to the Cowboys franchise in the NFL for decades. Glamour franchises. And like the Cowboys they’ll continue to get national pub. But building rosters and developing / utilizing players in professional team sports has become incredibly complex. The Yankees are already like the Cowboys – again, no WS appearances in 12 years. Few seem to realize that the pendulum swung a while back.
I’m willing to bet about a million dollars that Samuel is to The Voice of Reason as Bruce Wayne is to Batman. Only the former pairing are antagonists.
You’re absolutely right about one thing, The Cowboys haven’t made the World Series in the last 12 years.
Samuel: you start off my stating that it’s honest analysis and proceed to give your opinions, mostly without facts… such as “few players with potential upside” and fans being hopeful of winning titles. Why does that bother you so much?
If anything, I think some of my fellow Yankee fans are actually negative or spoiled. They are pretty competitive every year, it’s not a bad gig.
There was also some losing seasons to get bigger draft picks too. Yankee fans have enjoyed being in contention year after year.
The Rays are somewhat of an exception. You can never doubt them.
Tony back in the Bronx
I guess this means Freeman to Milwaukee.
Freeman to Mariners. Ty France can slide over to 2B.
How much did he turn down from the Cubs previously? It seems like he lost some money here.
5/70 IIRC. I don’t know. If he even gets $45-48M and is still playing well enough at the end, 2/22-25 doesn’t seem like a stretch and he would getting the money front loaded under this scenario. And I like the fact that he is incentivized to perform, assuming it’s only a 3-4 year deal, which I imagine it is.
It appears that one of Gleyber Torres or DJ Lemahieu is on the way out, likely for some pitching.
I’m sure they’d much rather move Voit first (no pun intended).
Yeah.
There is room for Torres & LeMahieu. Not for Voit.
If they trade Torres and Voit, there’d be room for Freeman: Stanton can be in the outfield while LeMahieu is at 2nd, Freeman at 1st, and Rizzo is the DH.
Are you a Yankee hater or something? They don’t need an aging Freddie Freeman on the team. They NEVER did. The team will rake as it is. Adding $200M for a first baseman on the wrong side of 30 would be stupid.
Can’t rely on Stanton to stay in the lineup if he’s playing the field.
I see we’re going to assume that Freeman is washed up and if there was a good team without a good first basement, they’d pass on him.
Valid point, but that leaves starting Joey Gallo, who hits for a poor average and strikes out. Granted, he’s won a gold glove.
I can see them trying to package Gleyber and Voit. It just doesn’t make sense to keep Torres at this point. He could very well turn it around but DJ is going to start and it will almost have to be at 2nd unless there is an injury. We need a catcher bad and a pitcher. Not sure what it would take to get someone like Contreras from the Cubs but Cashman go that route. When Rizzo’s deal is up they can move DJ to first and fill someone in at 2nd. I like Rizzo’s bat at Yankee Stadium for a full season and his glove is really good.
@goastros123 is actually the Astros fan that the Yankee guys all like, @FSF. He wants us to be good because he genuinely enjoys having a rivalry between our clubs.
I like Gallo, @goastros123.
He shouldn’t bat in the top half of the lineup. But he is an excellent left fielder, has a career OPS of .823, & is a lock for 40+ jacks in The Stadium.
Some of us love the game more than any rivalry can ruin.
DJ is not going anywhere.
Going to need DJ – most likely at 3rd as JD has not played a full season in well……
That’s the beauty of it. DJ will play a lot at 2B but back up 1B/3B. Torres will also move around the infield a bit, if he’s not traded first.
& I think that was purposefully done by Cash.
Imitation is the highest form of flattery. Albeit with a much bigger budget, Cash has assembled a bullpen like the Ray’s template & now has an infield of guys he can move around.
How do you figure that regarding the IF @Ducky? Rizzo can only play 1B, Voit can only play 1B, Torres can only play 2B (he has proven not to be a SS), Donaldson can only play 3B. Well if all that holds true, IKF has to play SS everyday and can’t be moved around. They have exactly one player, DJ that can be moved around (1B, 2B, 3B. Best IF is Rizzo 1B, DJ 2B, IKF SS, JD 3B and if JD gets hurt DJ slides to 3B and Torres gets in the lineup. Torres and Voit are benchwarmers / depth
With that you can play matchup a bit. Your bench is stronger than just Odor and Higgy. Rizzo is the smart play here. I’d love me some FF but not at 6/180. Let the Mets or one of the LA teams go there. We’ve got bigger fish to fry now.
Voit: gone
Rizzo: 1B
Donaldson: 3B
LeMahieu: 1B, 2B, 3B
Kiner-Falefa: C, 2B, SS, 3B
Torres: 2B, SS
How I see it.
@Ducky Infield looks set.
Sure does. Loads easier to watch too.
I can live with running Hicks out in center. Super sketchy, but I get it. It’s a lot harder for me to view Higashioka as a starting catcher.
Why not keep them all , except Voit?
Unfortunately, as Yankee fans, we know someone will be hurt.
DJ will bounce back and I’m not interested in trading Gleyber when his worth is at a low.
Wampum: not being sarcastic but versatility doesn’t mean a guy playing different positions has to be a gold glove at each position. Gleyber can play SS-2B, IKF SS-3B, DJ all over. That’s versatility .
JD played 135 games last year and 155 games in 2019. So in the last two full seasons he’s missed 34 games.
Yes, just looking back over the last 5 years, he has played a full season once. The point of the comment is that they will need someone there as he is 35 and probably will not be playing a full season.
This. I like this
Wow so this means they are tapping out on freeman. I absolutely loved Rizzo when he was traded here last year and I saw first hand why cub fans loved him. Are the Yankees thinking about Soto in the future and a judge extension ? On a side note bye bye voit
He lost money and I also believe he is an anti vaxxer. However he does have other health concerns that might allow a vaccine exemption.
He had cancer early in his career. Don’t know if that plays into it.
Yes, he’s had cancer. Therefore he’s in the health risk category.
Good job by the Yankees imo. Bringing back a true pro in Rizzo. The middle of the order is gonna be quite lengthy .. From Judge, Stanton, Donaldson, Rizzo, Voit. This team will obviously hit a bunch of homers if they’re healthy. Me personally, I’d have Voit at DH, lengthen out the power threat that much more.
Those 5 will not be in lineup at same time. Voit likely on his way out.
Yeah, I don’t know.. Not really a Yankee fan, don’t know how they like to draw up their lineups. But if Hicks is healthy, he’s a good fielder, so is Judge in RF. The only average to below average is Stanton in LF? Don’t really know, no idea about his defensive “metrics”, he doesn’t seem that bad out there though.
Hicks and Judge help make the outfield look better, and the infield should be much improved. With Rizzo and Donaldson on the corners. And now they have a solid SS. Just my opinion, but I don’t see a reason why Voit shouldn’t be an everyday DH, if he’s healthy I wouldn’t leave that bat on the bench.
Stanton played well in the corners. Hicks has slipped some. Gallo is going to eventually get some reps in center.
Limit Stanton in outfield, DH him. When with Marlins always getting hurt diving for balls. Only Season he played 150+ games was 2017 MVP season with Marlins. Need reserve outfielders on bench, Locastro & Gallo will be needed to play all 3 outfield positions…If Yanks want to be serious contenders, limit Stanton in outfield….
Basketball ; I’m not saying you’re wrong but I’d give him decent time in the outfield. He seems a better hitter when he’s playing the field.
If he gets hurt, he gets hurt…..
Yes, Stanton more engaged when in the field… maybe 3/4 days a week in outfield, balance DH… long season.. he did lose weight last season, that helps…
Yeah, you’re right. Forgot about DJ. Seems as if Torres or Voit is gone.
Completely forgot about Gallo as well.. Damn. He was so bad for them I didn’t even remember him being on the team. Nvm then. yeah, Stanton is probably the DH then.
Lmao and Yank fans were so certain they were landing Freeman or Olson. Hilarious.
And they’re trying to rationalize Rizzo now, having failed on both the Freeman and Olson fronts. Rizzo isn’t even close to Freeman/Olson level. Absolutely hilarious!
As a Jays fan it’s not like Rizzo is nothing, am I glad Olson and Freeman aren’t Yankees? Yup!! But to trash Rizzo. Especially for 2 years 30 is silly.
Yup he’s a damn good and battle tested player and only irrational fans would trash him
.768 OPS as a Yankee
The doctored ball effected a lot of the league last season. Many had down years
The UNDOCTORED ball.
Based on what Atlanta had to give up for Olsen, I’m perfectly happy with this outcome. Good guy, good eye, good glove, good chance for a strong year. Send it in, boys.
Enjoy third place in the division again, I guess
That’s the great thing….Rizzo just has to be ok.250 average 20-25 homers, 75-80 RBI’s. All the Yanks have to be is consistent and healthy in 2nd part of season going into playoffs.
lol enjoy third place again
Freeman never seemed likely. Olson was always a thought for Braves, Dodgers and Yankees.
The Yankees seem old, slow and unathletic, sort of like a boiler maker beer league softball team.
Were they faster and more athletic with Gio, Sanchez, and Voit??
Solid and expected..
Get vaccinated.
Where’s Voit heading now?
Since he doesn’t have high trade value he could end up anywhere fast over the next 24 hours
I agree it’s not “high”, but it’s also not low. Probably more than some fans expect. He can hit. A 137 OPS+ as a Yankee, not expensive and team control. The Universal DH opens up more trade opportunities. Nonzero chance Cashman arranged some trade opportunities before announcing the Rizzo signing. Regardless, he’s moving since there’s no spot for him now. The Yankees like to collect intriguing bullpen arms, so that’s a possibility.
San Diego needs a DH (honestly a 1B as well…) so he would be a great fit for them
SD or Milwaukee is my guess. Lotta smoke around the Brewers though.
We won’t get much for him. I have been hoping Cash can get Jake Cousins for him. He’d be a nice fit in our bullpen. Not sure what SD has.
Wouldn’t surprise me if they swapped him for a controllable arm, but one with options, meaning a minor leaguer. Cashman likes to acquire guys like Luis Gil with upside. I believe he came from the Jake Cave deal. Or was that Medina? I still confuse the Luis’s!
A lot of what we’re seeing seems fairly well orchestrated. GM’s had to be talking with each other for awhile, man.
Voit trade might already be worked out.
We should get something useful for him. Got Peralta for Tauchman.
Hate to see Voit Go…the Man can Rake. Cash has put together a very “Professional” Team. This Team knows how to Play and Win. I like the idea of improving the Defense.
Because we already had Thumpers, Judge, Stanton, JD, and Gallo, we don’t need Rizzo to hit 30+ Bombs.
DBF, don’t sleep on the New Catcher Rortvedt, I have a feeling the Kid is going to Hit well in a Platoon.
Jake Cousins? No way
Works out pretty close on BBTV for whatever that worth.
Brewers just signed Andrew McCutcheon with the idea of DHing him a lot.
Duckers- we have some spare Catchers; we could probably work out a deal for Caratini and a lottery ticket going to NYY. Nola has too much value for a straight swap with Voit but maybe if you guys sweetened the pot then we could go that route. Either way, the big ahi are still snagging my lines in Hawaii! Aloha brah
Hey, there he is. What’s good, Gwynning?
Very intrigued by Nola. I don’t care for our current catching situation. Voit is eminently available & he can hit. I think something could be worked out there. We’d have to throw more in, but a Voit for Nola trade sounds like a decent match.
Man.
That sounds amazing. I’m running around the northern prairie shooting piles of snow geese. Fun. & they make good sausage. But it is far from a tropical setting. Bon appetit.
Yankees gonna bring the same team back and only swap Donaldson with Gio? Yikes
still a lot of FAs out there, maybe another trade in the works
Btw. When does Voit leave? **scratching head**
Hahaha. He turned down $80m from the Cubs and fans called the offer a slap in the face and disrespectful.
It was 5/70m, He thought he should be getting the hometown bump, not a discount.
He actually got a slightly higher AAV here. In the end he’s probably going to end up with similar overall money over the 5 years unless his production totally falls off a cliff
I don’t see him getting much after this 2 year contract. He has back injury issues and will be 35 at the end of this contract.
He will be 33 and will have an opt-out when he’s 32. And I assume the Yanks have a clear understanding of his medicals. If he rakes this year, he will easily surpass the Cubs offer. If he rakes the second year, he should have little problem surpassing the Cubs offer.
Rizzo is definitely one of the more overrated players in MLB but he feels a clear need for the Yanks.
Not much upside but not a lot of risk either on a 2-yr deal.
I think that’s a fair overall assessment. But he’s only 31 right now and has an overall OPS+ of 127 (though it’s been declining in recent years). If he can get healthy, I see a lot more upside than you. He averaged over a .900 OPS for 6 straight years during his peak. He’s not so old that he couldn’t reconjure some of that, assuming full health.
He’s 32, 33 in August.
You’re right, I was a year off.
How convenient, just like the rest of your assessments.
Wow we did get a great deal on Rizzo but I still can’t help but feel like this off season has been a massive disappointment for my team for the most part (getting rid of guys like Sanchez and voit will help but still we need more). It’s like they are planing to make bigger moves in the near future and bring up the kids like volpe
When you look at the cost to acquire Olson or Freeman, Rizzo at 2/35 doesn’t look stupid to me at all. They might have a hard time unloading their excess infielders though.
“Luke Voit starts whining again.”
cmon Dombro, buy low on Gleyber
They signed a player who can’t even play any home games
If it’s a medical exemption I think he’ll be fine , Kyrie not wanting to Vax is his non belief in anything scientific, don’t like hating on people for their opinions and values but when you believe the earth is flat!!! Your sanity should be questioned
There’s no such thing as a medical exemption to the COVID vaccine that I’m aware of, other than being in active chemo (which makes the vaccine ineffective, not dangerous). Or being allergic to an ingredient.
Any pre existing heart inflammation condition will also get you an exemption.
But the ‘kyrie’ rule will go away sooner than later.
Im Canadian, not sure how America works with the vaxx stuff. Here if you really want to ignore mandates and vaxing you can, no ones allowed to tell you to wear a mask or get vaxed.
All you need is a medical reason (which most are bs anyway) or Religious reasons (which are also bs lol) or just because you decide you don’t want to. And unless you’re in a government facility and get refused entry(which you’re not going to be able to do anything about unless you want to risk getting cuffed) no ones going to try to stop you or prevent you from using their establishment, for fear if getting sued or losing business. Especially small businesses
Now I’m not advocating any of that, I think you should get vaxed and I did myself
I just think we should respect those that don’t want to as well and not turn it into a “thing”
I’m inclined to believe they had a talk about that and probably made it a condition to sign. Just a guess.
I guess this means no Freeman for the Yankees. Unless Stanton is in the outfield, DJ plays 2nd, Rizzo at first, and Freeman at the DH. Rizzo could DH as well while Freeman is at 1st.
Eric Adams laughs
I don’t mind this at all. Yankees are going to Wrigley this Summer. He can be given a proper send off. Love Rizzo. I don’t get why so many people on social media wanted the cubs to bring him back so badly. That era of the cubs is over. Time for the next core ti setup(when they’re ready) and try to compete and win another championship. Of course I’d love to see the cubs win more than one world series in my lifetime. I’d be very content if they never won again. Never thought I’d see them ever win.
Despite being 32 and 33 on August 8th. He’s still a top defensive 1st baseman in the league.
Yankees stocking up on has-beens (although Stanton was never great).
Yankees just reek of needing a new identity.
Crazy, Stanton has 347 homers, on way to 500 homers… if he can stay healthy….needs to be key to Yankee line up… they can’t pitch around him if he is in groove… Yanks lineup stacked..
One thing the Yankees have quietly done with the recent moves is cut down the offenses overall strikeout percentage with the recent additions and subtractions of guys like Sanchez and (eventually) voit which is big as putting the ball in play and moving runners has been a issue for this team in recent years. Moving hicks into part time duty to take Grady’s spot will help even more. I’d rather have Dominguez play the outfield daily instead of hicks. Catcher is still a major hole. Also will Torres rebound and if the Yankees don’t think so will he be flipped soon ?
The 18 Sox had a pair of Punching Judy catchers who framed and defended well and they beat the Yankees. The Yankees don’t need Dave Kingman at every position (nor his “fielding” at every position either…
@Joseph Dominguez isn’t anywhere near ready. I see Hicks starting.
I meant to say floral actually lol
Don’t sleep on the fact the defense is better, and there’s some pissed off guys on this roster. This team is not complete yet. Might not be until August 3rd. But, there’s already some good direction in play.
Freeman is turning into an interesting story. I think if the Dodgers really wanted him that badly, the deal would be done by now. Not too many contenders need a 1B. Actually not too many teams period need a 1B, even a great one like FF. I wonder if the Padres will find a take for Hos with a significant prospect tagged along, and go for it. They should.
Outside LAD, I could see TB Bos Tor and SD Sea or Mil with the last 2 wildcards
Too bad Tex went so hard on Seager ida rather got in this sweepstakes at this point on Freeman
Can’t imagine Toronto would screw up the great thing they have going on with Vlad at first. Easier to find a real 3B if they want one, but if I’ were them I’d hold my fire and look for a major pitching acquisition at the deadline. Seattle’s done. They said so today. Milwaukee’s gotta be out of budget space, but I guess maybe. Yeah I could definitely see Boston.
Half hear ya on Tor, but yea they’d def need to speak with Vlad honestly before they inked. Love that fit in Tor tho, timeline is perfect and the exp he adds to the clubhouse would be so clutch
Could easily see SD pull a string (unload Meyers at breakfast Ink Freddy at lunch)
I’m just trying to talk myself outta LAD tbh, prolly 50+% now he’s coming. TB would be so awesome for so many reasons, trade KK and Glass and Do it TB
What I am wondering, if his reps or him are overplaying his hand. Not having the Yankees in, or the Braves as his comfort move, is changing this. Trying to think if there is anybody outside the Box who could afford him. In a crazy offseason like this, would Texas jump in, they had been rumored for one more big dollar deal.
@seam…The Pads don’t seem to want to just deal Hos and a prospect away without getting something in return. That’s tripping up the deal. But in reality that’s what they would need to do.
To be fair, if we should expect nothing in return AND give away a top shelf prospect with Hos then aren’t we better off just releasing him?
I hate when Yankees make smart moves.
They added IKF, Donaldson and now Rizzo for roughly an incremental 20 mil or so per season
IKF imo is a extremely underrated addition to the team
Could be another good contact option like dj or didi
Thank you so much for understanding what’s going on! Every other Yankee hater seems to be too dumb to get it.
Doesn’t look like Cashman is done either, Dusty.
Going to be another fun year in the AL east.
Best division in MLB, man. Wouldn’t be surprised if all 3 of the Wild Card teams come from the east.
This Teams loaded, just need a cf capable dude now
Pillar would be nice, KC’s sticky on trades but like the idea of MAT, Lauerano’s the dream
Unsung hero’s will be the youths logging those inns Monty German Jonny Lasagna Holmes etc , the O will swing their way to the playoffs, and we will all question Pandora’s box Servino come Sept.
Freddy Freddy Freddy …..odd day for you, I’d think you look great on TB Bos or Tor now.
Freeman’s potential big money suitors shrink by the day. Dodgers? Red Sox? Blue Jays? John Heyman mystery team?
It looks more and more like those “core” Cubs players might regret not taking the extensions offered by Ricketts & Co.
Indeed, well noted , and don’t forget that most fans/posters gave CHC major heat for not stepping up their offers harder. They came out with those silent (forgotten) victories front office’s need to have
Quietly the Cubs have been playing good poker for the hands they have been dealt the last couple years
Given the New York mandate….this either means Rizzo is getting vaccinated or got vaccinated…or New York will drop the mandate.
Otherwise, a lefty power bat with plus defense at first base for only 2 years/$32M seems kinda perfect.
I like Luke Voit a lot. I hope he lands in a place where he’s greatly valued and his righty bat is more valuable for them and he can DH a ton…. and that we get some amazing, cheap pitching or just some amazing pitching either way in return….
Or that we DFA and outright release Voit and give him a chance to become an early Free Agent and get a sweet deal- or would he still be in arbitration if he got picked up as a Free Agent?
They have to drop the mandate right?
kyrie being in the stands the other night was pretty embarrassing.
Voit is not getting released! If he’s moved it’s in a trade or he stays and platoons and DH.
Voit isn’t getting released and he’s arb eligible for any team picking him up.
Blue Jays new kings of the AL East next five years.
Baez took 30m less than what the Cubs offered. Rizzo took 38m less than what Cubs offered. A lot of fans and media owe the Cubs FO an apology.
Cubs were smart
Cubs offered Bryant 8yrs/ $200M over a year ago, BRYANT REFUSED OFFER! It’s the agents who tell the player’s to refuse perfectly good offers…Bryant just signed 7yrs/ 182M. Can’t blame the Cubs for trading Baez, Rizzo, Bryant…. Tho only one who outplayed the Cubs offer was Schwarber who just got 4 yrs/ 79M… they only offered a one year contract…
Great signing by the Yanks. They’re going to have an excellent defensive and offensive infield. Greedy Freddie can kiss my ass!
This just seemed to become more & more obvious as the off-season went along. Cash traded for him last summer. That said a lot.
It also seems like Contreras to the Yanks is becoming an obvious move too.
I thought Contreras was a clear trade option but the cubs weirdly signing Stroman makes me wonder if they are clear on a direction
$16M is too much for this guy. 1.6 fWAR. I’d have let him walk.
I know it’s not going to leave him in a full lurch, but is Freeman’s reps over-playing their hand? Braves moved on, Yankees moved on, that was 2 of the teams that were willing to do most anything (Braves wouldn’t probably go as long or much as some but still had a respect/culture there that would have made it easy on him). I have figured the Dodgers were the favorite out of the gate, reading the other teams in, not sure if any of them will go to what has been rumored in negotiations. You know Rays won’t go that long or high. Boston will kick the tires on it, but they have been playing closer to moneyball the last few years. I can see Blue Jays jumping in but with some young talent that will be needing contracts soon, how much are they going to lock in for?
Hoping Freddie goes to SD or TOR at this point. If it can’t be ATL than please not LA lol.
I could even root for him still if he goes to Tor. Charlie would be stoked if it’s SD.
Free Luke Voit!
Rizzo is about a league average player, averaging 2.3 fWAR over the last 4 seasons, so he’s worth exactly what the Yankees are paying him.
Freeman has averaged 4.3 fWAR over the last 4 seasons. He’s worth approximately DOUBLE what Rizzo is worth in wins and salary.
This is all about dollars and cents and the Yankees posturing for cap space in future seasons (I think it’s the right move by the way). But this move is NOT because Rizzo is just as good as Freeman. Stop.
Sure, under the same 2 year contract scenario that makes perfect sense. But you have to pay at least $150M MORE or so get Freeman for a bunch of aging years. NO THANKS!
I said it’s the right move. I’m just laughing at the absurd rationalizations I’ve read thus far.
FSF thinks Freeman is washed up and no one should sign him.
Now you’re putting words in my mouth.
Gotta trsde Gleyber for SP. Because they are garbage after Cole. Castillo or Sean Manaea and Montas be options that could happen
I personally think if they keep all their young pitchers they’ll be fine. I just don’t know who’s going to perform in the bunch with some health issues and too little history to judge well enough but I think the talent will be there to be at least an above average rotation. You don’t want to trade the wrong guy.
And I do agree that getting another pitcher would be wise but I’m not sure how much value Torres has. He’s never really been that good. Even in his best year, it’s amazing how much of those stats came against one awful team in the Orioles.
Taillon, Montgomery, & German are all above average pitchers. Cortes was a nice find, & Sevy is finally healthy.
That all doesn’t strike me as “garbage”.
Reminds me of the staff the red sox rode to the LCS. That team ran out a pitcher who kept you in the game every night. Wasn’t flashy. Pretty effective though. &…well, we have a Cole too.
Ducky, I give you credit. Preparing factual and interesting responses to people who have no idea what they’re talking about. Well done!
Yes, with that said, I wouldn’t mind capitalizing on the Reds’ fire sale and getting Castillo (even though HE won’t be cheap). Also Ducky, what about Tyler Naquin for CF – he should be cheap and has great speed and a solid batting line, especially against righties…. That would be a good alternative to Hicks! Saw his name in an article as a trade candidate on PSA, I believe. I like it.
Well, I am still shell shocked over last year’s offensive malaise. As such, I have yet to give any serious consideration to our pitching.
I’m seeing a more balanced lineup.
I’m seeing a lot less reliance on RH TTO guys.
However, in terms of sheer on-field production (read; runs scored), I remain unconvinced we have improved much. Going from Phat Sancho to Higgy is a pretty big downgrade with the bat.
I still focus on offense. Trade for Contreras. Sign Villar as the 26th man. Then address rotation stability.
Gleyber plus one of the shortstop prospects. Gleyber on his own has lost a ton of trade value.
Meh. Rizzo’s best attributes are that he is left handed and puts the ball in play.
Not exactly the trajectory altering skill set Olson or Freeman would have provided.
When you have the hitters they already have, that’s plenty enough. If he regains any of his old form, that’s just icing on the cake. A whole lot of icing!
Keyword: if. In fact, the Yankees don’t have this super lineup like you think they do. If you go by the numbers, the only good hitters they have are Judge, Stanton, and LeMahieu.
The lack of speed and athleticism will haunt them. Judge and Stanton are always one swing away from missing 3 months. Donaldson’s calf. Rizzo’s back.. They have IKF, which I love, but 1 guy can’t do it all. I’m eager to see what they do with catcher and center field.
Once again, they don’t even need to rely on the “if”. If he’s just an average league hitter, that isn’t going to set back the Yankees by any means with what they currently have.
I think there are two important things to note:
1) Yankees were top 3 for several seasons in offense with nearly the exact same players & it just got a tad bit better, imo, regarding contact, OBP; and
2) Yankees put themselves in an enviable position to where this team can start to fully rebuild on the fly in two years. A large percentage of contracts come off the books after ‘23, Hicks shortly thereafter, and the only commitments they have left are Judge (this ST
Long-term-deal), Stanton, Cole, & DJL.
That’s it folks. Everything else is complete rebuild and the numbers drop like a rock. Juan Soto in the future? No idea, but we will have the space for it.
This is a travesty. He should have been a Cub for life. Yankees fans not even appreciating him. How was this allowed to happen?
I loved Rizzo here. I can see why cub fans wanted him to stay
You’re right, but he’s been trending downward for some time. Rizzo is on my cubs Mount Rushmore, but with another year of the shift, he won’t break .250. Maybe next year
@cubsmatt I like Rizzo and he’s a good presence on the team. Him and Judge seem to get along really well fwiw.
We’ll love Rizzo if he puts up numbers like he did for you guys lol
Yankees fans love him & it only took 6-months of being a Yankee for him to love us back for life! Welcome home Tony Rizzoli!
Since the Yankees seem to be in a trend to upgrade defense and cut down on the strikeouts (thank god) can you please and I mean PLEASE trade Gallo ? I never realized how awful he was until he came here last season. He only has 2 career sac flies in 124 chances, How is that possible ?? !!! How is this a wining player ???
Just when you want a sac fly, the damn ball keeps leaving the yard.
His home runs don’t make up for how awful of a hitter he really is
He’s an extreme example of a three-true-outcomes hitter. Home run, walk or strikeout. He hit 38 home runs and walked 111 times. Only Soto walked more. Gallo scored 90 runs and drove in 77. No Yankee scored as many runs and only two drove in more. How awful was he, really?
So now the market for first basemen is…. Pay Freeman 30-35 mil per year or get Hosmer or Voit for next to nothing.
I think Freeman will get paid, but I think he vastly overestimated his value if he was holding out for 6/200 from Atlanta.
Hey, don’t talk down the trade value of Voit. We’re talking about a former MLB HR leader just two years ago buddy!
That was also a nerfed season lol. While I love his energy and his power voits glove is bad and he isn’t reliable health wise either
They’ll get an okay return for Voit, maybe a couple of top 30 organizational players. No where near a top 100 guy though.
I don’t think they have room to keep him on the roster, so they pretty much have to sell low.
They have 43 on the 40-man now so there’s a bit of a crunch.
All kidding aside I think that’s a reasonable assessment, Though I anticipate for some reason that he will probably be a part of a larger package.
Voit, Schmidt, and prospect for a catcher.
Hosmer looks really good in a different uniform. They made a mistake signing Hosmer longer than 5 years.
It’s pretty simple. Kill the shift and he’s back to his old self, with slightly less power
Huh! Interesting take. Didn’t they get rid of the shift or is that next year?
Next year.
Welp, looks like Freeman is going to LA. Unless someone smokes their offer. Which I doubt will happen.
Unfortunately only the cubs are going to NY. Wish they’d visit wrigley
Would rather see Voit if healthy cheaper and better production
Oh yeahhh… this is excellent. It’s a one-year deal unless Rizzo gets hurt.
I bet Rizz is regretting passing on that Cub deal.
If he puts 10 mil in to eth he’ll make it all back and more in a year or two
Awesome deal. Save money to extend Judge. Every year yankees find a way to make playoffs. Cashman is nothing short of a genius. Weather is dealing with injuries (2019) or getting a cheap bullpen that thrives. He gets decent prices to make the season exciting. Cant wait for opening day.
Who cares if they don’t win anything
I don’t think this is a bad signing for MFY at all But Yankee social media IS definitely going wild if Freeman signs with the Sox. I don’t see Freeman as a Chaim kind of acquisition but who knows? Signing with the Dodgers will seem anti=climactic now, it’s been so long. It feels like if it was going to happen it should have happened already. And can anybody really see Freeman going to Tampa or Toronto? Really? So the Sox seem as good a bet as anyone. Except the Dodgers probably.
I’d be pretty shocked if the RS signed Freeman after letting Mookie go. If he does sign with them, so be it and good for them.
Wheres lemahieu playing 2B?
Wouldn’t have been my first choice but not a bad deal at all. 32 mil for two years if a solid first baseman. Not bad.
I’m sure it’s been said somewhere in the 300+ comments, but Luke Voit’s gotta be pissed. Hoped they trade him, he can still mash when healthy.
Good resign by the Yanks. Rizzoli will probably produce similar numbers to Olson and Freeman without having to pay a huge price dollar wise and/or with prospects.
A joke lol!!!
Good move to bring him back, but he doesn’t come close to Freeman or Olsen.
Olson*
And he didn’t cost close to $200M or any of their very top prospects. Job well done Yankees!
Really doesn’t matter. Unless they improve pitching they aren’t going anywhere in the postseason. Yankees are headed home early, again. Don’t know why Cashman doesn’t follow the formula that works. Solid hitters that get on base, dependable starters who throw a lot of innings, and a strong bullpen. It was a good move to cut Sanchez loose, but there are still too many swing and miss guys in this lineup. Yankees success = lots of guys who make the other team’s starter throw a lot of pitches.
I wonder if the Yanks still have Interest in Conforto? I don’t know if he can play CF but I’d like them to address this along with catcher.
You can’t have all these guys in your lineup just trying to hit home runs. They strike out way too much. Are you ready for a full season of Gallo?!?! If you have guys that work the pitcher and take more pitches you will take out their starters earlier and will have more ABs against weaker BP pitchers. Judge and Stanton could hit 60+ hrs each and they would still stall in the playoffs because nobody would be getting on base in front of them!
That’s part of the reason why Rizzo is back. He makes good contact and is left handed for balance. IKF I understand also is a scrappy contact hitter if a bit underwhelming on offense overall. I’m very good with both of those situations.
Yeah, I’m not anti Rizzo, unless it turns out he is ant-vax. Then yes, I would be anti Rizzo. He’s obviously an upgrade defensively from Voit and a lefty which the lineup needs. It’s not a terrible move, but it’s not a bold move like Freeman would have been. The Yankees have money to spend. They can’t use the tax threshold excuse anymore. Freeman would be a solid lefty, solid defense for 5+ years, Rizzo is ok, but declining and we will have to be talking about replacing him in 2 years.
I’m not anti-vax but it amazes me you can be against someone simply because they have questions and concerns about a vaccine. That’s sad.
It’s not sad, it’s reality. You have to keep up with the news regarding unvaxxed players and NYC. Presumably the NYY confirmed that Rizzo was vaxxed before the deal was signed.
They literally just cut their team strikeout rates down by letting go of guys like Sanchez and whatnot and getting the players they just acquired/resigned this week for that reason
It’s so obvious what’s going on in this game. Chicks dig the long ball, right? Baseball has become all about the home run. They are trying to cater to the younger, lower attention span generation. Entertain me or I don’t care.
3 team trade
Angels get- Kim Meyers
Cubs -J Upton
Padres- filler names
Together Ana and Padres compensate CHC, Angels moreso,but both teams avoid shipping out top shelf prospects
Pads get outta 29 mill cheaply this way for 22. Angels get a Ss and OF upgrade for no extra $$. Cubs stack the farm more. You can really sub Cubs for any team willing to buy 28$ mill (Jup) worth of prospects here
SD Inks Freeman
Trade Hosmer next offseason when the 22 mill becomes 13 mill w prospects
Farm be damned, the ditch has already been dug let’s just bury the bodies now
Luke!!!!!!
Everything is on paper so far, but if the Yankees win their injury gamble with Donaldson, they should have a better defensive infield than last year, with Torres away from the shortstop position and Voit not mishandling first base.
I won’t be surprised if they still deal Gleyber before the dust settles. LeMahieu at second probably does more for the infield D.
Voit and Rizzo to San Diego for Hosmer, Meyers, and a year of pest control services.
‘After sorting through the reports, ESPN’s “Outside the Lines,” tallied up the violations and found at 30 of the venues, more than half of the concession stands or restaurants had been cited for at least one “critical” or “major” health violation.
‘Topping the list of the worst rated venues is the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C., where 100 percent of its vendors were cited for violations. The biggest culprit was mice droppings, which were found at at least 10 vendors. It was the same story at Tropicana Field in Florida where the Tampa Bay Rays call home.’
https://www.foxnews.com/story/mold-cockroaches-among-health-violations-at-sports-arenas
Let’s make it a 3-team trade then:
Voit and Rizzo to SD
Hosmer, Myers, and a bucket of balls to NY
Pest Control Services to the Trop
Win win!
And the Rays pay nothing. Same old.
I like Rizzo, but, other than IKF, how has Cashman addressed his alleged concern about getting more athletic? The Yankees had the second-lowest Speed Score in 2021 and ranked 23rd in UBR. And Wade stole nearly as many bags as IKF in far fewer plate appearances, so they really lost speed despite adding IKF.
I guess it depends on who he brings in as C. Getting rid of Gary got this team more athletic by subtraction, but you’re right, not much more than that…… for this season.
I guess most Yankee fans are hoping for Contreras, and I think he’d be a good get. As I’m sure you know, you don’t normally look for speed in a backstop. Still, he did swipe five bags last year, which is one more than Gardner did.
Yeah, I think the most optimal C option is Murphy, but OAK will likely want even more for him than they did for Olson, so the likelihood of that trade occurring is slim-to-none. But, Contreras is primed for Cashman – short duration commitment, not expensive in money or prospects, and fulfills a role we need (build C offensive profile without being Gary).
I do hear Rordvedt is GG-level catcher, which is a really nice change of pace too. Higgy’s not horrible on offense, but both are very good defensively. Maybe Muellins can unlock Rordvedt – and he’s LH with some decent raw power.
If you compare Murphy and Sanchez last year, their offensive numbers are very close. Their wRC+ was identical, their low OBP one point apart, their low wOBA 5 points apart, their low BA 12 points apart, and Sanchez hit six more home runs. I have to assume the high esteem for Murphy by Yankee fans is a function of his framing rating by Statcast and his fielding, particularly in limiting passed balls.
Thing is, Murphy’s K% was only 2.1% lower than Gary’s, so it’s not hard for me to picture the ever-patient Yankee fans getting on Murphy just like they did on Gary if he whiffs a lot.
The other thing is, the Yankee pitching last year was a strong point. It was the offense that lagged. For that reason, I think Contreras’s stronger offense might suit the team’s needs better than Murphy’s framing and fielding.
Yes, you’re absolutely right. Murphy’s value comes in his framing & GG-caliber defense. Gary’s offensive woes would’ve been tolerable if his defense was GG-caliber.
I feel like they overpaid and although I don’t think Rizzo would have signed a 1-year, hopefully he finds his groove again for the Yankees.
I saw a really funny quote I had to share – it was from a fan on social media:
“Let’s be honest, this team is HEAVY favorites to win the 2016 World Series”.
Lolol – I thought it was pretty clever…
He’s 32 and clearly showing decline but at least it’s only 2 years.
I just don’t want to hear about what a great leader he is.
When he came to the Yankees he was on fire. Refused to be vaccinated, caught covid and then slumped badly when he returned.
Yankees barely make the playoffs and had to play a one game series in fenway.
Being stupid and selfish are not characteristics of leadership.
I generally have little sympathy for anti-vaxxers, but I wouldn’t characterize him as one. He acknowledged that the vaccine works:
“There’s a lot of lives being saved from this vaccine. There’s a lot of people getting back to their normal life. That’s what we want.”
The ones who knowingly spread false alarms about the vaccines are the criminals, IMO. The ones who believed the misinformation they spread also did damage, but there’s a difference between ignorance and malice. And some anti-vaxxers are prone to conspiracy theorizing, which is a kind of sickness of its own that bad people are exploiting maliciously.
As a Yankee fan I absolutely love this signing and I love the trade they made with Minnesota. I don’t care about Donaldson’s history with injuries, you can say the same about a bunch of players. He’s a better option than Urshella and IKF is perfect to man SS until one of those prospects can take over. I’m not the biggest fan of Cashman but I think he’s trying to right the ship so to speak. I don’t think he’s done either. I have a feeling Voit and Torres are getting traded for pitching of some kind whether it’s a starter or a reliever. I think they’re happy with the duo at catcher and I would be as well. DJ worries me a bit but his contract has too many years on it still to be moved so we have to hope his issues were related to the hernia.
I agree, Mystery Team, and I read something this morning that makes this more definitive. Sources close to the Yankees cited that Freeman was not interested at all in going to the Yankees (insert unless they overpay substantially). That tells me he’s looking at LAD where his wife openly wants to return. That makes this signing even better & we cannot blame Cash for that. I’m glad he doesn’t overpay (the Yankee tax) for Freeman. I wanted him at 6/$180 max, but not if he needs 7/$210 or more to come to NY.
As of right now, the only real commitments after ‘23-‘24 offseason are: Judge; Stanton: DJL; & Cole. The roster will be a complete rebuild after that.
It’s the sensible move. Freeman is asking too much at his age. This frees up DJ to move around the infield, which was his purpose when originally signed. It also puts Voit squarely on the block. The next move needs to be pitching.
“New York has around $244MM in real payroll and $258MM in CBT obligations on the books this year,..”
Jeez….
But, 85% of that commitment is gone in two short years.
Eh. This doesn’t move mountains. It’s not that bad, it’s not too long, it’s not too much money –at least not way too much, but I don’t think this makes the Yankees a championship contender. The Yankees need better performance from the guys who didn’t last year, and they need Donaldson to be as productive as they counted on. And they need pitching. So, eh.
Yep, you’re right, Mike. Not nearly as improved as they could have been for sure, with say, Seager, Olson, Rodon. But, they’re offensive profile is a bit more diverse, more consistent, & defensively more adept. So, overall, modest improvements. The big question is: Compared with other teams’ improvements (Hello Blue Jays!) how will these improvement fare, proportionally? Can we compete with the Rays? Can we compete with the Blue Jays? I’m confident we’ve done enough to be competitive with Bos, but Blue Jays are improved & Rays can never be counted out.
I think we are right where HalCash wants us: playoff contender – division contender, likely finishing 2-3 place when all is said and done.
Just plain ridiculous everyone that says Hal is cheap needs to look at the elephant in the room which is Brian Cashman he has no clue how to manage a payroll in getting Josh & now Rizzo the Yankees are at $258 million in CBT so in reality Yankees are paying for both combined close to $43 million and still have holes at Catcher, Starting Pitching, CF. Not only that he is paying both Chapman & Britton $30 million this year for backend bullpen and since they are coming off the books this year it even makes no sense why he didn’t try harder to get Olson without including Volpe.
Another thing now to look at is that if Rizzo does exceptionally well he can opt-out meaning the Yankees will once again be looking for a 1st baseman this really makes no sense at all if Olson was too pricey then why not switch gears with Oakland and ask for Chapman & one of their starters then you have the funds for Freeman overall this team really didn’t improve at all with the exception at SS defensively expect a 4th place finish all because Cashman thinks he is smarter than the other GM’s.
Also, what is going to happen with Rizzo when he can’t play in NYC because he is not vaccinated that is another issue onto itself.
So now how much payroll is tied up in players unable to play 4/7 due to vaccination status?
They must have confirmed that Rizzo is now vaxxed before re-signing him. They aren’t that foolish…Right? Right? People who just automatically assume that the regulations will be changed between now and April don’t understand NYC politics. Just look at the Kyrie Irving situation.
The Kyrie situation makes no sense at all as it was the idiot DeBlassio that is punishing NY players yet visiting players that are un-vaxed can play when in NY and be in the locker rooms yet a home player can’t that kind of logic makes no sense whatsoever.
And the guy that took over for him, Eric Adams, talked a big freedom game in the primary but like virtually everyone on his side of the aisle, then did the complete opposite upon gaining the elected position of prominence. At least they’re consistent at doing the opposite of what they assert over there.
The consequence? Freedom loving, anti-medical tyranny players will choose not to sign in NY. Thus trades are the only venue to improve if the ridiculous edicts remain unchanged.
I am seeing a good veteran infield with Rizzo, DJ, Falefa, and Donaldson, maybe Cashman trades Voit , Gleyber, and a minor leaguer for a young starter?
Trading Gleyber will be a huge mistake on his end was DJ first years an aberration? I say leave Gleyber at 2nd base where he should be and his offense will pick up again as he gains his confidence back. DJ is supposed to be the swiss army knife so he will play around the diamond to give guys days off you cant count on Josh to play third base full time and Rizzo at 1st. Yankees had their chance to get olson or sign Freeman then if they had done that yes you look to trade Torres for a starter pitcher like Luis Castillo but now the Yankees still have holes at catcher, CF & starting pitching and again if Rizzo has a great season he will opt out and thus the Yankees are now looking once again for a 1st baseman.
No matter how Cashman wants to spin this he dropped the ball and badly utilized the Payroll and evaluation of talent on this team.
Yankee stadium is turning into the most expensive nursing home in NY
perhaps Hal and Cashman are hoping for an AARP discount on the Luxury tax threshold.
The Cubs dodged a bullet with Bryant, Rizzo, Kimbrel & Darvish. Turned all four from liabilities to assets.
A good signing for the Yankees. The price that is coming is the team is getting very old quickly. Another older veteran, with some nagging injuries. The Yankees window is the next few years. It looks like they are trying to bridge to the farm system as the next big batch of prospects is a couple of years away.
Yankees window is closing and it will be this year this is why all the moves Cashman has made from last year and thus far this year makes no sense. He continues to give out big money to aging veterans and yet has never knew how to balance a team with young talent along with some veterans ala Tampa. This is why he shouldn’t have tinkered with Torres trying to make him a Shortstop he should have tried to continue to evaluate Florial with the big leagues rather than still go with the numbers from the minors but he wanted his boy Gardner at the expense of winning and chemistry the Yankees had last with Allen & Florial.
Cashman has developed such a Windmill Company with Judge, Gallo, Stanton, Luke to name a few that energy dependent is not needed in NYC.
What confidence do you have in Higgy why annoint him a starter when last year he was given the job and faltered so badly he was one of the worst catchers not only offensively but his defense his supposed calling started to fail him as well.
this is the 2016 Yankees all over again.
Cashman insistence on bringing in veteran players and bloating the payroll with these players is beyond ridiculous he does not know how to blend in youth with some veterans. Again, in bringing in Josh & Rizzo just doesnt make any sense at all yes I’m fully aware of Rizzo & Freeman being the same age but it sure looks like Rizzo is more on the downside of his career as opposed to Freddie. Shoot if no Olson at that time then I would have liked for the Yankees to explore somehow to rid of Gallo and then just sign Kris Bryant who can play all OF position, plus third & first then. I just dont get the rationale behind Cashman this Yankees team window is closing if not this year then next.
This surprised me, solely based on Rizzo’s public statements on the gene therapy and that it’s being mandated in NY. Maybe he privately acquiesced to the tyranny or he was given assurances it’s going away.
Voit has been surprisingly productive outside of an injured filled 2021. I believe Voit will out produce Rizzo over the next two seasons – if he’s traded and given the opportunity everyday. Of course, Rizzo is a bigger name, a lefty and known commodity – known to be trending the wrong way.
Hope it works out as Cashman envisions, I just don’t see it.
Yanks are king of the GIDP and probably the least athletic team around. Qualities that WS teams never have. Outspending every AL team by a good margin, no less. Great job Cash.
Loved Rizzo. Love his defense, offensive power, as well as his clubhouse leadership. He’s the bets option at first because Freeman would’ve declined after a while and Olson would’ve cost too much prospect-wise.
This is a great signing all around. Anyone who says the salary is too high, think about if they sign Judge to an extension. That’ll be about 30mm AAV and he’s injury prone and won’t even play a full season. Let Judge walk.
Again this is a great signing and besides LeMahieu, Rizzo is my favorite current Yankee
Only athletic Yanks are Locastro & Ben new catcher from Minnesota… all the Yankee kids will be up in 2 yrs… Yanks will resign Judge in off season, have Stanton, DJ as hitting core going forward…