Anthony Rizzo returning to Yankees on two-year deal
Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrates after hitting an RBI single that scored second baseman Gleyber Torres in the fifth inning in Game 5 of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium on Oct. 18. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
While Aaron Judge continues to dominate their offseason, the Yankees flexed their ability to multi-task Tuesday by re-signing Anthony Rizzo to a two-year contract worth a guaranteed $40 million, a source confirmed.
Hal Steinbrenner signed off on the deal not long after suggesting the Yankees wouldn’t be outbid for Judge and still had plenty of money to fortify the roster, say by bringing back Rizzo, for example. Rizzo’s contract includes two years at $34 million, with a $17 million option for a third that’s tied to a $6 million buyout.
The Yankees had given Rizzo the $19.65 million qualifying offer a week ago, but the new deal was struck shortly before Tuesday’s deadline to accept. GM Brian Cashman had signaled that he wanted Rizzo to return, and Steinbrenner didn’t have any problem laying out the cash for the three-time All-Star as he still works on a resolution for Judge.
In fact, Steinbrenner said he spoke with Judge during their multiple conversations since the season ended about having the payroll to add more players beyond what will end up being a monster contract for the Yankees’ slugger.
“We have plenty of ability to make [Judge] happen and still have money to make others things happen, too,” Steinbrenner said Tuesday.
Rizzo, 33, was near the top of that list. Not only for his offensive production, after matching a career-high with 32 homers last season, and Gold Glove caliber defense, but also his seamless fit in the Yankees’ clubhouse and comfort playing in the intensity of the Bronx spotlight. Rizzo’s lefty swing has proven to be perfect for the Stadium’s short rightfield porch, and with the new shift ban expected to be in place for next season, he should see an uptick in last season’s numbers (.224/.338/.480).
Despite the Yankees’ disappointing October, Rizzo was one of the few bright spots, hitting .276 (8-for-29) with two homers, eight RBIs and a .984 OPS in nine games. Toward the end of the regular season, there was some concern about how effective Rizzo would be after missing nearly three weeks in September with complications from an epidural designed to relieve his back issues. He returned to hit only .216 (11-for-51) with a .695 OPS over the final 13 games, but his playoff surge apparently put to rest any lingering fears about his back condition and Rizzo declined his $16 million player option for ’23 earlier this month. And the Yankees didn’t want to wait for such an important piece.
“Am I going to make moves before we’re able to -- in my opinion, we’re going to be able to -- sign Aaron [Judge]? Yeah, that’s not going to stop me from signing other people,” Steinbrenner said. “It’s all about who’s going to come off the board. And if it’s somebody we need, or feel we need, then I got to make the decision to continue to improve the club. And not just hold back until we figure out Aaron.”
David Lennon is an award-winning columnist, a voter for baseball's Hall of Fame and has covered six no-hitters, including two perfect games.
