It’s still early in the offseason for the New York Yankees. The World Series will begin on Tuesday, between the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves, and the Bombers, once again, have to see it on TV. But that doesn’t mean they can’t start to make some preliminary plans with the 2022 campaign in mind.
They have already announced that manager Aaron Boone will be back under a three-year contract with an option for the 2025 season. Additionally, coaches Phil Nevin, Marcus Thames, PJ Pillitere, and Reggie Willits won’t be back with the Yankees.
As far as players go, however, it’s still too early to make decisions. However, one slugger who came to the Yankees via trade in late July is reportedly open to the idea of coming back to New York.
According to what a family member told Bob Klapisch, first baseman Anthony Rizzo “is quite eager to return to Yankees in 2022. That’s an important first step, assuming NYY want him back. Have to assume they do,†he wrote in his Twitter account.
Rizzo didn’t have a particularly good showing with the Yankees when it comes to offense. He slashed .249/.340/.428, with eight home runs and a .768 OPS. He wasn’t particularly good with the Chicago Cubs, either, but does add a nice on-base threat to the lineup and elite defense at the cold corner.
The problem with the Yankees committing long-term to Rizzo would be his age and seemingly declining skills. The left-handed hitter is already 32 and his best years are seemingly behind him, unless he makes some changes in the batter’s box.
Rizzo’s last season with an OPS over .800 was 2019, when he slashed .293/.405/.520 with a .924 OPS. The Yankees would be paying for a declining asset at the plate, and it remains to be seen if they are willing to do so.
This post was published on 2021-10-25 13:16
