Key Takeaways:
– The New York Yankees might negotiate a long-term contract with Juan Soto, which could affect the team’s payroll and player contracts.
– They may have to reduce current player contracts or push some players off the books to accommodate a new $500 million deal with Soto.
– Anthony Rizzo could be reconsidered despite his $17 million club option due in 2025.
– Other players, including Gleyber Torres, Alex Verdugo, and Tommy Kahnle, could potentially seek free agency to look for cheaper options.
New Long-Term Deal with Juan Soto Might Impact Yankees Roster
As the New York Yankees are leading in the American League East, largely credited to the performance of Juan Soto, owner Hal Steinbrenner is considering a long-term deal with the popular player. However, this could lead to financial strains on the team’s payroll and may necessitate changes in the club’s player contracts.
Elaborating on this, team owner Hal Steinbrenner hinted toward the team’s intention of re-negotiating player contracts and potentially pushing some players off their roster. A major concern arises with regard to three-time All-Star, and former Silver Slugger Anthony Rizzo.
How Anthony Rizzo Fits into the Equation
According to Yankees columnist Pete Caldera, the team could potentially shed approximately $106.8 million from their payroll at the start of the upcoming off-season. Most of this cutback will come from losses to free agency and non-tenders.
Rizzo, popular among teammates and fans alike, currently has a club option for $17 million that’s due in 2025, and a $6 million buyout. The team may renegotiate the contract with Rizzo this winter, considering him essential to the team’s productivity and overall performance.
Rizzo’s Disappointing Season
There are questions surrounding Rizzo’s performance this season. Although he has maintained his health, his productivity has waned. This season, out of 191 at-bats, he has slashed .257/.321/.393 with seven home runs and 23 runs batted in (RBI).
This is significantly below his best years, where he achieved a .292/.385/.544, earning him numerous accolades. However, his .713 on-base plus slugging (OPS) this season ranks him fifth among first basemen in the American League.
The Future for Anthony Rizzo and the New York Yankees
Speculations suggest the Yankees might not pick up or renegotiate Rizzo’s contract following the current season. This might force Yankees to shift DJ LeMahieu to the first base full-time in the next season while seeking enhancement at the third base in the offseason.
Even so, Rizzo has a crucial role in the continuation of the Yankees’ path given his experience and there might be a lack of compelling infield talent to replace him in the forthcoming market.
In conclusion, the New York Yankees’ bid to secure Juan Soto in a long-term deal presents several monetary and roster challenges. A key player that stands to be largely affected is Anthony Rizzo, whose performance this season has been far from disappointing. As the completion of this season nears, the team management will be grappling with weighty decisions that will set the course for the Yankees’ future.