The New York Yankees, perennial contenders in MLB, find themselves grappling with an unusual problem: the league’s worst production at first base over the past two seasons. Since Anthony Rizzo’s post-concussion struggles following his collision with Fernando Tatis Jr. in May 2023, the Yanks have cycled through a variety of options.
The team posted an abysmal .602 OPS from its first basemen in that span, far below even the next-lowest Brewers (.654). With Anthony Rizzo’s option declined for 2025, addressing this glaring weakness is a priority for the New York Yankees’ offseason plans. On that note, here are three such options the Bombers could consider for first base reinforcement.
Yankees Free Agent Targets
Pete Alonso
The long-time Mets slugger and home run machine Pete Alonso is a compelling candidate. With 226 home runs since his 2019 debut, Alonso is second only to Aaron Judge in the league. At 30, he is durable and thrives under pressure, but as a righty slugger, he might not complement Judge’s bat perfectly. Alonso’s defense is serviceable but unspectacular, and his recent dip in production (.788 OPS in 2024) raises questions.
Christian Walker
Walker, a three-time Gold Glove winner with a reliable bat, is a dark horse candidate. Over the past three seasons, he has maintained a .813 OPS while averaging nearly 32 homers per year. However, as a righty swinger nearing his mid-30s, his consistency and longevity are concerns for a Yankees team seeking a long-term solution.
Carlos Santana and Paul Goldschmidt
Veteran sluggers Santana and Goldschmidt offer short-term fixes. Santana, 39 in April, remains a switch-hitting threat and won a Gold Glove in 2024, though his numbers are slipping. Goldschmidt, at 37, is coming off his worst career season (.716 OPS) but showed improvement in the second half. Both players could serve as budget-friendly stopgaps.
Yankees Trade Options
LaMonte Wade Jr.
The Giants’ lefty first baseman offers excellent on-base skills (.376 OBP over the past two seasons) and versatility. His modest power output makes him a potential leadoff hitter, though not a game-changer.
Nathaniel Lowe and Josh Naylor
Lowe, of the Rangers, combines consistency with decent power, boasting a .791 OPS across four seasons. Naylor, an All-Star in 2024 with Cleveland, hit a career-high 31 homers but is remembered for his 2022 ALDS antics against the Yankees. Either player could be a strong addition if available.
Yandy Diaz
The Rays’ corner infielder could be a cost-effective option. While Díaz has had MVP-caliber seasons, his 2024 performance (.755 OPS) fell short of expectations. His age (33) might also give the Yankees pause.
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees may also consider internal solutions, such as Ben Rice, whose disciplined plate approach earned him a late-season call-up. DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera remain fallback options, though neither has consistently produced the power expected at first base. Rice, in particular, is a wildcard given his limited MLB experience but promising potential. Overall, whether through a splashy free-agent signing, a savvy trade, or trusting their internal talent, the Bombers must address this weak link.
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