MLB free agency is up and running again thanks to the end of the lockout.
Trades have also picked back up, with Sonny Gray being acquired by the Minnesota Twins from the Cincinnati Reds, and the New York Yankees acquiring Josh Donaldson from Minnesota in exchange for Gio Urshela and Gary Sanchez.
Things are back to normal in baseball, and teams are now getting a little more clarity on who might be fits for them in 2022.
The Yankees had been in on Freddie Freeman, but according to Jon Heyman, their optimism about landing him has waned.
Heyman did note however, that Anthony Rizzo is still out there, and that he looks to be the favorite to sign with the Yanks and reclaim first base duties.
Yankees are pessimistic on Freeman, and have said no to the ask of Volpe plus more for Matt Olson. So Anthony Rizzo seems to be the most realistic at 1B for them now. And that’s not so bad.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 14, 2022
Will Rizzo Return To The Bronx?
Rizzo is likely the most realistic option for the Yankees, and that isn’t such a bad thing.
Rizzo is still an impressive hitter from the left side and an elite defender, having won a Gold Glove in 2018, and he’ll certainly cost much less than Freeman, who now doesn’t appear to be a part of the Yankees plans.
He was acquired by the Yankees from the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline last year and played a key role in them reaching the postseason after hanging around in the middle of the pack for much of the year.
An infield that features Rizzo, D.J. LeMahieu, Gleyber Torres, and Donaldson would be one of the best, if not the best in all of baseball.
The Yankees would have four power bats, all of whom are All-Star caliber players, and that could very well be what helps lead them to October in 2022.
NEXT: Yankees Facing A Top Rival To Open The 2022 Season