While the entire Yankees management and fanbase were focused on reacquiring Aaron Judge from the free agency, another high-performing baseman Anthony Rizzo became a free agent. Rizzo decided to get out of his 16 million annual contract with the Yankees to get more money. Well, now he has it. According to recent reports, the Yankees and Rizzo have struck a deal that is mutually beneficial for both. Anthony Rizzo has returned to the bombers for a multiyear deal worth 40 million.
Anthony Rizzo Returns To The Yankees!
New York Yankees were worried about losing a well-performing baseman from their roaster after Rizzo decided to opt out of his contract with the franchise. Meanwhile, the team seemed adamant about getting back both Aaron Judge and Rizzo. And now they have won half the battle. Anthony Rizzo will be donning the pinstripe blues for at least two more seasons. The star baseman has been re-signed by the Yankees for a whopping amount of $34 million.
Following his Tuesday agreed to a two-year deal with a club option for the 2025 season, the team declared that Rizzo would continue to wear the Yankees pinstripes for a little longer. Along with a club option for 2025 that carries a $6 million buyout. Anthony Rizzo will earn an additional $3 million over the following two seasons for a total guaranteed salary of $40 million. With a $17 million 2025 option, he stands to gain up to $51 million.
Rizzo chose to forego the second year of the two-year, $32 million contract he signed in the spring after blasting 32 home runs in his first full season with the Yankees. He also turned down the team\’s qualifying offer of $19.65 million. He will receive a raise and an additional year as the Yankees want to retain Judge and Anthony Rizzo together after the pair contributed to leading their lineup. Rizzo attracted attention from outside sources. According to The Athletic, the Astros were particularly interested in him. However, it didn\’t take the Yankees long to act.
Meanwhile, New York Yankees general manager Hal Steinbrenner previously stated the team\’s wish to keep Anthony Rizzo. He was acquired at the 2021 trade deadline before the contract was officially confirmed. The Yankees prized Rizzo\’s championship experience since he guided the Cubs to the 2016 World Series victory.
Rizzo is the only active Yankee who has won a championship. In the meantime, the Yankees need to fill positions other than Judge in the right and left fields. In addition to being a free agent, Oswaldo Cabrera lacks experience, and Aaron Hicks lost his job but still has three years and $30 million left on his contract.
Also, read Anthony Rizzo Accepting Houston Astros’ One Year-$19.65M Offer After Turning Down Yankees?