The New York Yankees have seen major changes to their infield this offseason, with several key positions up for grabs. Third base remains a concern after DJ LeMahieu’s calf injury, and the designated hitter spot is also vacant due to Giancarlo Stanton’s elbow issues. While players like Ben Rice and Dominic Smith have shown promise during spring training, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer predicts that the Yankees might re-sign the struggling veteran infielder Anthony Rizzo. Despite Rizzo’s recent struggles and diminished power production, Rymer suggests he could fit as a left-handed bat at first base or DH. However, re-signing Rizzo might be redundant given the team’s current left-handed options, and the Yankees might be better off relying on Rice and Smith’s potential.
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The New York Yankees have experienced significant changes to their infield roster this offseason. With only shortstop Anthony Volpe returning to his 2024 position and Jazz Chisholm Jr. shifting back to second base, the team has seen a major overhaul. The departure of Gleyber Torres to the Detroit Tigers and the replacement of Anthony Rizzo at first base by former NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt have left several positions up for grabs.
Third base has been particularly problematic, especially after projected starter DJ LeMahieu suffered a calf injury early in Grapefruit League play and will begin the 2025 season on the injured list. This has added to the Yankees’ woes as they now also need a designated hitter due to Giancarlo Stanton’s ongoing elbow issues. If Stanton requires surgery, he could be sidelined for the entire season.
During spring training, players like Ben Rice and Dominic Smith have emerged as potential replacements. However, Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer has made a bold prediction that the Yankees might re-sign the struggling veteran infielder Anthony Rizzo.
“There’s been little action on the 35-year-old Rizzo throughout the offseason, yet he was adamant last month about wanting to continue his career. Though he hasn’t been the same player since suffering a concussion in 2023, the three-time All-Star may find a fit with a team in need of a left-handed bat at first base or DH,” Rymer wrote.
This prediction is certainly surprising. If the Yankees had intended to bring Rizzo back, it likely would have happened already, given Stanton’s prolonged absence. Rizzo has struggled significantly over the past two years, with his power production dwindling to just 20 home runs and 26 doubles in 796 plate appearances. His defensive impact has also diminished, with a dWAR of -2.3 during his time in New York.
Since both Rice and Smith are left-handed hitters, re-signing Rizzo might seem redundant. The Yankees might be better off seeing if Smith’s strong spring training performance can carry over into the regular season or giving more opportunities to the young Rice to assess his potential as part of their long-term plans.
