Despite their success, the New York Yankees still have needs at the trade deadline. One major concern for the squad has been Anthony Rizzo’s output. Rizzo was absent from the Yankees’ lineup on June 9th and 10th. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, replacing Rizzo at the trade deadline may not be easy. The available solutions may not be advantageous to the Yankees. His salary also raises concerns about replacing him in a trade.
Rosenthal observes that Rizzo’s OPS-plus on June 9th is comparable to Josh Donaldson’s when the Yankees released him in August.
“Rizzo is more prominent in the clubhouse than Donaldson was, and he is especially close to Aaron Judge. He is also owed approximately $10 million in salary and a $6 million buyout, whereas Donaldson was owed little less than $4 million. So, the Yankees aren’t giving up on him just yet,” Rosenthal noted.
Available Replacement Options: Doesn’t make sense for the Yankees
“The Yankees probably would not displace Rizzo for the Marlins’ Josh Bell, the first baseman most likely to be traded,” Rosenthal stated. “A crosstown trade for the Mets’ Pete Alonso would spark a fan revolt at Citi Field.” The Rays and Blue Jays would also be hesitant to move Yandy Diaz and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. within the division since both are under club control beyond this season.”
Rizzo’s importance in the clubhouse makes him unlikely to be traded. If they attempt to replace him through a trade, he will become an expensive bench player. Given the Miami Marlins’ current situation, Bell could be on the move. However, acquiring a guy like Bell would push Rizzo to the bench.
Rosenthal notes that a deal with the New York Mets or within the division is unlikely. The Yankees could look inward. While Rizzo was out, DJ LeMahieu started at first base.
This season, Rizzo has a.244 batting average and an OPS of.623. The 34-year-old also had a bad year last year, although it was due to an injury.
Rizzo hit only.244 last season despite missing the majority of the season due to injuries. Rizzo was diagnosed with “post-concussion syndrome, which the club believes stems from a May 28 collision with the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr.,” according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch in an August 3 piece.
Rizzo’s Future
Rizzo’s future depends not just on his performance, but also on the Yankees’ payroll problems and pursuit of Juan Soto.
During the May 22 owners meetings, Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner criticized the team’s $300 million payroll as “not sustainable.”
“I’m gonna be honest, payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially,” Steinbrenner remarked, according to the New York Post. “It wouldn’t be sustainable for the vast majority of ownership [groups], given the luxury tax we have to pay.”
Rizzo may be a casualty in the chase of Soto if the club also wants to cut money. If Steinbrenner had not been worried with the $300 million salary, the Yankees could have paid everyone.
“Because the Yankees appear to be committed to saving money wherever they can, Rizzo may become a casualty of the team’s Soto pursuit,” wrote The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner while breaking down the Yankees’ budget.
Soto should and will be the Yankees’ number one focus this winter. Rizzo may not be available to the Yankees in 2025, regardless of whether he improves his situation.
Even if Soto regains his hitting form, “everything this offseason needs to be seen through the lens of Soto.” Brendan Kuty of The Athletic stated, “If the Yankees believe that saving money at first base and shifting it to Soto is a higher priority, then all bets are off.”
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