Ranking every Yankees trade based on its World Series impact

Anthony Rizzo is exactly the type of star player the Yankees need right now

Though dealing for Gallo, Heaney and Holmes will play a role in the Yankees getting back into the AL East race, no acquisition made by them was more profound than adding longtime Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo in their high-profile fire sale. For all intents and purposes, Rizzo was the captain of the Cubs for the last decade. He provides the skill and leadership New York needs.

Rizzo already set the tone with a thunderous moonshot in his Yankees debut. We know he has one of the best gloves at the first base bag. Perhaps most importantly, he provides power and a quality approach to hitting from the left side of the plate. He is one of those players that makes any roster better upon his arrival. His energy is infectious and he will be a spark plug in New York.

By trading for Rizzo, the Yankees have a left-handed power bat they can start every day at first base, or use in the DH role if they feel so inclined. Then again, why would you want to keep a four-time Gold Glove recipient off the diamond? The best part about adding Rizzo to the mix is he knows what it takes to win a World Series, something most players on the Yankees do not know.

Overall, the Yankees’ second half will be judged by what Gallo and Rizzo do in the lineup, and to some degree, what Heaney and Holmes do on the mound. New York faces an uphill battle to be one of five teams in the American League getting into the postseason in October. However, you cannot deny what Cashman did heading into the deadline to try to make this ball club a better one.

The Yankees made a few big moves at the deadline, but even that might not be enough this year.