Astros looking to steal Anthony Rizzo from Yankees

The Houston Astros are reportedly targeting Anthony Rizzo as their top free agent in hopes of shoring up first base while hurting the Yankees.

Ken Rosenthal’s latest free agency rumors dump includes a tidbit that’ll have Astros fans perking up and Yankees fans worrying.

The Athletic’s MLB Insider reported that Anthony Rizzo is Houston’s “No. 1 free-agent target at first base” this offseason.

The reasoning behind making Rizzo their top priority is two-fold. First, Rizzo would strengthen the Astros at first base. Second, signing him would keep him from staying with the Yankees.

Astros want to take Anthony Rizzo from Yankees

Rizzo can accept a qualifying offer from the Yankees if he wants to stay in New York for another season.

He joined the Bronx Bombers via a trade from the Cubs as Chicago blew up their World Series-winning squad. The first baseman decided to stick around for the 2022 season and hit 32 home runs while batting .224/.338/.480. It was his best season in years and there’s no question why the Yankees would want to retain his services.

The Astros can offer Rizzo a multi-year deal but it’s not clear how much they’re willing to invest in the 33-year-old. Considering how easily he seemed to fit in with the Yankees, they’ll have to make leaving New York worth his while.

If not Rizzo, Rosenthal also suggests Yuli Gurriel and José Abreu as options for Houston at first base.

It was strange enough seeing Rizzo trade in his Cubs gear for the pinstripes of the Yankees. Seeing him join the Astros would be another adjustment.