3 Yankees extension candidates not named Aaron Judge

1. Anthony Rizzo

One of the major dominoes to fall in last year’s Chicago Cubs teardown, Anthony Rizzo was flipped to the Yankees at the deadline and has performed exceptionally well for his new club – especially to begin 2022.

Rizzo, 32, not only has a reputation as one of the game’s better defenders over at first base, but is also still very much a force to be reckoned with at the plate.

In 49 games for the Yankees down the stretch last season, he managed to hit 8 home runs, steal two bases, walk at a high rate and strikeout at a low rate, and post an OPS+ of 109; numbers that were sharp enough for the Yanks to re-sign him over the 2021-2022 offseason to a two-year deal that could end up being a one-year deal since there is a player option for the second year.

While Rizzo’s next move may have been questionable before the season began, it now seems much likelier that the Yankees opt to sign him to yet another deal, especially because he is absolutely annihilating opposing pitchers so far this year. Not to mention the fact that he’s quickly becoming a fan favorite in the Bronx.

Through his first 22 games of 2022, Rizzo not only has an OPS of 1.060 with an OPS+ of 209, but he also leads all of the major leagues in home runs with nine already and is second in MLB in RBI with 21, behind only Jose Ramirez of the Guardians.

Anthony Rizzo has long been one of the game’s most popular players and he has now won over the hearts of New York City. The Yankees should most certainly look to bring the star first baseman back, especially if he is able to continue his offensive dominance this season.