New York Yankees Reunite With Lefty First Baseman
The New York Yankees had answers on their roster to the question, 'who would play first base in 2022?' They just didn't THE answer that fans and probably manager Aaron Boone wanted to hear. Luke Voit did a great job anchoring first base and hitting home runs, when he was healthy. DJ LeMahieu can play over there but he will play a lot of places, according to Boone. But the Pinstripes needed something more. Maybe someone that they had before.
According to a report by friend of The Drive with Charlie & Dan, Pete Caldera of northjersey.com, Anthony Rizzo is returning to the Bronx Bombers on a deal that seems to work for both parties. Caldera said that the left-handed hitting first baseman and the Yankees agreed on a two-year, $32 million deal. Rizzo, 32, will earn $16 million this year and is eligible to opt out following the 2022 season. This will allow Rizzo an opportunity to have a normal free agency season, if he wants to opt out.
The deal solidifies an infield that was really in flux last Friday, when the Yankees opened Major League spring training camp. Since Aaron Boone's opening statement less than a week ago, the Pinstripes have added Josh Donaldson to play third, Isiah Kiner-Falefa to play shortstop and now Anthony Rizzo will play first. With 'waiting to bloom' star Gleyber Torres slated for second base, that leaves All Star DJ LeMahieu without a position. As Boone said, LeMahieu will play first, second and third throughout the year. But could the Yankees use the infield depth for a trade for pitching?
According to Caldera, Torres might be used as a trade chip. Apparently, the Yankees are exploring upgrades in their rotation and center field options. With Rizzo in town now, Luke Voit doesn't have a position and will certainly be sent packing for some type of return. General manager Brian Cashman tried to deal Voit at last year's trade deadline after acquiring Rizzo from the Chicago Cubs.