The New York Yankees made their first big signing of MLB free agency.
After what Anthony Rizzo gave to the Yankees last season, they knew re-signing him was a must.
New York agreed to a two-year deal with Rizzo on Tuesday.
This move should open the floodgates for the Yankees this offseason.
Rizzo will be 32 years old to start next season, and he is a shell of his former self.
But, he remains a valuable player.
Last season he hit .224 with 32 home runs and 75 RBI in 130 games.
Despite his batting average, Rizzo continues to give good at-bats and makes life tough on opposing pitchers.
Also, the Yankees know what bringing Rizzo back means for the locker room.
Everything they do this offseason will be with the idea of persuading Aaron Judge to re-sign.
Judge and Rizzo are close friends so that is noteworthy.
Anthony Rizzo truly enjoyed being a Yankee, and getting $20 million a year to stay — $17 million each of the next two years, plus a $6 million buyout on a 2025 option — keeps him in the Bronx.
Worth noting: Rizzo has grown very close with Aaron Judge over the last two years.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 15, 2022
Also, it appeared that another team pursuing Rizzo was the Houston Astros.
There is no way the Yankees could have let Rizzo go to their toughest competitor in the American League.
What Is Next For The Yankees?
The Yankees know they have plenty of moves they need to make to compete once again for the World Series.
Signing the aforementioned Judge is the most important move for the Yankees this offseason.
But, they could also use some pitching depth.
The Yankees have always been big spenders in free agency so it should shock no one if they land a big starter.
Carlos Rodon, Jacob deGrom, and Justin Verlander are the three top starting pitchers on the market.
We are set for an exciting offseason and the Yankees are far from finished making moves.
NEXT: Aaron Judge Has Blown By Preseason Underdog Odds