Last winter, at the Yankees, the name that was on everyone’s lips was that of Aaron Judge. The outfielder, who became a free agent after a season of 62 home runs, was the team’s priority considering his importance in the roster.
That said, a few weeks before Judge decided to stay with the Yankees, the club signed another up-and-coming free agent in its ranks, as Anthony Rizzo signed a two-year, $40 million deal with a team option in 2025.
And when we look at what Rizzo is able to do this season, we notice that the signing has been crucial for the Yankees, as the first baseman is having a stellar season that puts him among the elite at his position.
In a roster that has been decimated by injuries since the start of the campaign (Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Harrison Bader and Josh Donaldson have all spent time on the injured list), Rizzo has been in uniform on a regular basis throughout throughout the season, to the delight of his family.
Yesterday, for example, was an evening bobble head in his likeness in the Bronx. And for the occasion, against the powerful Rays in an absolutely crucial game for the Yankees, he hit two long balls, including this important home run in the eighth inning to give the lead to his team.
The Yankees also won 6-5, thanks in particular to Rizzo’s big night’s work.
His .301/.387/.500 batting line and his eight homers since the start of the campaign are reminiscent of his golden years in Chicago, when he was an MVP candidate.
He won’t (probably) win it this year, but right now he’s quite possibly the Yankees’ MVP.
How to explain this renewed life? There are probably two important factors: his back is no longer a problem like it was last year and the abolition of the special defense is good for a hitter who shoots the ball like him.
And we know shooting the ball at Yankee Stadium is a good thing for a left-handed hitter considering the fence on the right is quite close.
In addition to all that, he is a leader within the group and he offers good defense at first base. It’s going well.
If he can get a little help from the rest of the roster, the Yankees will be in the car. A guy like Aaron Judge, who isn’t too bothered with his quieter start to the season, should eventually unblock him and give him some support.
Clearly, then, the decision to retain Rizzo is paying off for the Yankees, who have seen him pull the club up more than once this season.
And as long as the nasty back problems don’t come back, I expect him to continue to produce like this offensively.
