The Houston Astros were reported to be one of the teams that was showing interest in free agent first baseman and slugger Anthony Rizzo.
Rizzo had just opted out of his two-year contract with the New York Yankees after a 32-homer season and the Astros were looking for a potential fit at first base to replace Yuli Gurriel.
However, it appears that the Astros have missed out on Rizzo.
The veteran slugger is returning to New York on a two-year, $34 million deal that includes a $17 million team option for 2025.
On Twitter, FOX Sports posted an edit of Rizzo in an Astros uniform with the caption, “What could have been.”
What could have been… pic.twitter.com/wxerQdmFVW
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 15, 2022
What Could Have Been
With several sluggers and first basemen available in free agency, the Astros are hardly at a loss.
They could still retain Gurriel or even re-sign Trey Mancini.
Josh Bell and Brandon Drury are also options, as is Jose Abreu.
But after reports that the Astros were in on Rizzo, who was one of the top first basemen available, the Yankees swooped in and brought back their veteran slugger.
Now, Astros fans will be left wondering what might have been.
Until they sign a first basemen, that is what fans in Houston will be wondering, and what their lineup could have looked like with the 2016 World Series Champion slotted in at first base.
The defending World Champions have been linked to Rizzo’s 2016 teammate in Willson Contreras, which would fill their need for a catcher with Christian Vazquez now a free agent.
NEXT: The Astros Reportedly Want To Sign A Former Champion