Anthony Rizzo, the New York Yankees explosive and veteran first baseman, entered the 2024 MLB season as an impending free agent. He signed a two-year extension contract alongside Aaron Judge in 2022. While he owns a club option for 2025 season, his arm injury has lowered his odds of retention.
The first baseman went down with arm fracture injury following his collision with Red Sox reliever at Fenway Park on June 16. Top prospect Ben Rice replaced him immediately and thrived on every possible chance he got at first base. Amid this, New York Yankees general manager appeared cagey while addressing Anthony Rizzo’s future at the club.
Will Ben Rice Replace Anthony Rizzo At First Base Permanently?
Entering June 16, New York Yankees explosive first baseman Anthony Rizzo slashing .223/.289/.341 with eight home runs and 28 RBIs in 70 games. However, on a fateful day at Fenway Park, he had a nasty collision with the Red Sox reliever, resulting in an arm fracture. The team eventually moved him to the 60-day IL list and summoned top rookie prospect Ben Rice to the big leagues. Interestingly, the bright city lights didn’t intimidate the kid as he became the first rookie in franchise history to record three home runs in a single game. Rice went onto thrive in every start and currently owns a .447 slugging percentage, six doubles, seven home runs, and 22 RBIs in 35 games.
That being said, things could get complicated following Anthony Rizzo’s return in August. Meanwhile, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman dodged questions related to Rizzo’s future in Wednesday’s press conference. He even refused to reveal if the front office pursued a first base upgrade at the trade deadline. However, Cashman did heap praise on Ben Rice by saying that he enjoyed Rice’s job at first base. Nonetheless, the situation can still evolve once the roster expands in September. The season is important for Rizzo as an impending free agent. Moreover, with the Yanks’ inclination towards youngsters increasing every day, it’s highly plausible for the Yanks to deny the club options to Anthony Rizzo next year. However, the first baseman’s close relation with captain and lead slugger Aaron Judge might play a key role in the upcoming fateful free agency.
Yankees GM Sounds Off Jasson Dominguez’s Promotion Buzz!
Meanwhile, another top prospect Jasson Dominguez, returned to Triple-A minor league following recovery from oblique injury. After major league debut in 2023, he tore his UCL and underwent Tommy John surgery. While he was optioned back to minor league post recovery, Dominguez picked up another oblique injury in June which led to further four week long absence.
That being said, with Jasson Dominguez returning to minor league last week, speculations of a promotion to majors were rife, especially with left fielder Alex Verdugo’s struggles. However, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman downplayed the hype stating its a privilege to have Jasson on the bench ready. However, he is happy with the current roster and would like to stick with the same for the imminent future.
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