Rizzo Returns
Photo Via: Mary Altaffer — Associated Press
News broke tonight that Anthony Rizzo and the Yankees agreed to a 2-year, $32M deal with a player option after year one. Obviously, that means the Yankees are out of the Freddie Freeman Sweepstakes, but that does not stop me from liking the deal.
As the Yankees shape up their infield, it appears some core veterans may be on their way out. Luke Voit was none too pleased with the Rizzo acquisition last season when he lost playing time to the new guy on the squad. Of course, Voit’s season ended with an injury and Rizzo went on to homer in the Yanks’ lone playoff game while starting at first base. Whether Voit can stick around — maybe as a designated hitter on some days and a spell 1B on others — remains to be seen.
The other player affected by this signing is former shortstop Gleyber Torres. With D.J. LeMahieu signed long-term and no place to go but second base, Gleyber appears to be the odd man out. Unless Torres is set to strictly serve as a bench player — which is deserved for his play the past two seasons — he will have to start somewhere else.
Good deal, Yanks. You got better, but this may be the first of a few dominoes as the roster turnover continues.