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Anthony Rizzo, the impending free-agent first-baseman, is certain to be tempted by a lot of people this offseason. But the three-time All-Star has reportedly no plans on leaving.
Bob Klapisch, a Newark Star-Ledger columnist on baseball, reported Monday that Rizzo was "quite eager to sign a new contract" to stay with the Yankees in 2022.
At this year's trade deadline, the Yankees purchased Rizzo from Chicago Cubs. His lefty bat provided balance to the Yankees lineup that consists largely of right-handed batters.
Rizzo's batting average was.249 and his OPS was.768 in 49 regular-season games played with New York. Rizzo's 2021 total of 22 home runs was increased to eight with the pinstripes. In the Yankees' defeat to the Boston Red Sox, he hit a single homer.
The Yankees' 2021 season, despite a fifth consecutive postseason appearance, was disappointing. New York was among the most streaky teams in MLB with winning streaks that reached 13, six, and five (two-times), as well as losing streaks of seven, five, and four (four-times).
After being bounced in an AL Wild Card Game game, the Yankees signed Aaron Boone to a three-year contract. They didn't make any changes to their manager so they will likely undergo some tweaks to improve the field.
Brian Cashman, the Yankees' general manager, already called shortstop an "area in need" this offseason. New York is expected to spend big to acquire a top free agent. The team still has many holes to fill, so it would be smart to keep Rizzo, who was loved by both New York fans as well as the organization.
Klapisch stated that it is safe to assume that Rizzo and the Yankees are interested in Rizzo's return to New York. Rizzo could return to All-Star status if he plays a full season for the Yankees.
