Yankees Land Their First Baseman

 

The New York Yankees have settled on their first baseman for 2022, bringing back Anthony Rizzo on a 2-year deal for $32M, with an opt-out after 2022.

Staying put in the Big Apple.

Anthony Rizzo and the Yankees reportedly agree on a deal, per @MLBNetwork Insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/yiF5unXRhy

— MLB (@MLB) March 16, 2022

Rizzo arrived in the Bronx at the trade deadline last year from the Chicago Cubs, and proceeded to post a .249 average with a .768 OPS, well below his career marks of .268 and .850. His downturn began in his age-30 season in 2020, when posted a .222 average and .755 OPS.

But he is a 4-time Gold Glove winner at first base, and provides a leadership presence in the clubhouse. 

The Yankees had been a prime suitor for Matt Olson, as they'd been in serious talks with Oakland, before they dealt him to the Atlanta Braves earlier this week. 

GM Brian Cashman had also talked with prime free agent Freddie Freeman, but it became clear in recent days that they were not going to be able to land him.

The Rizzo signing means Luke Voit's days in pinstripes are coming to an end. 

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports