The Yankees infield — which didn’t exactly impress with its play in the World Series — will likely be without its most veteran presence next season.
New York announced Saturday that it had declined the club option attached to three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo’s contract. The decision should come as no surprise, as Rizzo spent the entire season battling injuries, whether fractured fingers or a lower extremity injury.
Rizzo, 35, slashed .228/.301/.335 with eight home runs, 12 doubles and an 81 OPS+ in 92 games. He posted a 0.2 WAR and was a non-factor for a majority of the regular season.
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This decision is the first big decision the Yankees front office has had to make to kick off the most important free agency period over the last 15 years for the Bronx Bombers.
A few months ago, it seemed as though the Yankees were absolutely going to opt in to Rizzo’s contract in order to bring their veteran first baseman back.
Declining Rizzo’s contract frees up $17 million that could be better used to re-sign Juan Soto or bring in another top talent.
A few players that could replace Rizzo long-term are Christian Walker (FA), Pete Alonso (FA), Cody Bellinger (player option), Oswaldo Cabrera, and Ben Rice.
The two internal options, Rice and Cabrera, haven’t proven the ability to perform at the big-league level consistently.
Bringing in Soto is the team’s top priority this offseason and it could cost the front office well north of $600 million to do so. Brian Cashman can worry about replacing Rizzo at first base after they ink Soto to his record-breaking deal.
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