I hate the headline. But it had to be said. And this article will explore the likelihood of the Yankees breaking up with or resigning Anthony Rizzo, one of the Yankees most consistent hitters in 2022. Would it make sense to terminate the partnership? Well, actually Rizzo holds most of the cards in this situation but the Yankees could make things easier for Rizzo to stay. But will they?
"Coming off a strong season and an impressive October, Anthony Rizzo is expected to exercise the $16 million player option in his contract -- the second year of his two-year, $32 million deal -- and become a free agent. He has some significant leverage, considering the Yankees’ need for left handed power, as well as the way he performed in the postseason, Rizzo likely will be looking for a three-year deal for something close to $20 million a year," reported SNY.
On the flip side is that Rizzo spent too long stints on the IL this season, both for reoccuring back issues. It appears his back problems are chronic and could even be compared to those that cut Yankees' famed first baseman, Don Mattingly's, career short. Recall, in August, I wrote WHAT RIZZO'S BACK INJURY MEANS FOR THE YANKEES? In the piece I talk about the short term and long term impact this condition could mean for the Yankees.
"The chronic pain is not something new for the Yankee first baseman. And that is the thing that concerns me. I remember reading about how hard it was for Don Mattingly, particularly in his later years, to just get ready to play nine innings—stretching out, performing mobility exercises and I would imagine some over the counter pain-killers. I realize he had a pre-existing condition, but as he aged, his condition worsened."
Rizzo is 33-years-old. And he has been dealing with these back issues for years. How many more years can he continue to rehab and stay healthy? The Yankees could offer to resign him, but I am not sure it will be for more than two years, which could be the dealbreaker for the left-handed slugger.
"As one executive from an American League team told me, “Rizzo’s value is probably higher with the Yankees than any other team, because the ballpark is perfect for his swing and they need his lefthanded power. So I would expect them to get together on a deal, maybe two years and a mutual option," reported SNY.
Will the Yankees and Rizzo continue their partnership? Hard to say. Rizzo could certainly join is teammate Aaron Judge and test free agency. But as the SNY article insightfully reminds us, Rizzo's bat is most valuable in a ballpark with a short porch right field. And Rizzo may just be persuaded to stick around for that and of course if his favorite right fielder stays in the Bronx with him.
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--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
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