Timing Just Wasn't Right For Rizzo

Anthony Rizzo came to the Yankees in late 2021 to help them over the edge. But then he contracted COVID-19 and had to sit out critical games where he could have had an impact. Then it took him time to transition back to full strength. And just like that…the season was over. Now with the lockout in place, the Yankees and Rizzo have not made any decisions about him staying in the Bronx. Timing hasn’t been right for Rizzo and I am not sure he will be in pinstripes this spring.

“It was great,” Rizzo said. “You go from playing at Wrigley Field and the Cubs to New York (and) Yankee Stadium. What more can you ask for? Getting traded from one big market to another,” reported NJ.com. Even for a short period of time, Rizzo’s excitement for baseball and for playing for another big market team added value to a very dismal ball club. The moral in the dugout was poor, chemistry equally poor but having guys like Rizzo around added charisma and spark and besides that he offers tremendous value defensively and a lefty bat in a predominantly right-handed lineup. 

According to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com, “The Yankees are still interested in a potential reunion with the 32-year-old, but are also exploring other ways to shore up first base. The Yankees have talked internally about trading for A’s first baseman Matt Olson, a source told NJ Advance Media. Oakland and New York have been in contact but it’s unclear whether the sides have exchanged possible trade scenarios.” 

Olson could also be valuable to the Yankees but there is something about Rizzo that makes me want to keep him in the Bronx. Playing for two big market teams and doing it with grace and professionalism tells me that he is worth holding out for, and perhaps when the lockout lifts, the Yankees should continue negotiation to keep him with the organization. 

“Rizzo immediately became a fan favorite when he went deep in each of his first two games as a Yankee. He slashed .249/.340/.428 with the Yankees and hit a home run in the AL Wild Card Game against the Boston Red Sox,” reported Yahoo Sports. Plus the guy loves walking his pup Kevin in Central Park for long walks in between games. He really embraced the City. Again, that’s endearing and not overlooked in the whole package the 32-year-old brings with him. 

So far timing has been against Rizzo. Starting his new team in the middle of the pandemic, and now with the lockout, Rizzo has had to navigate adversity. But he is excited to begin the next part of his career and would more than happy to do it in New York. Let’s hope Brian Cashman can make things work once the lockout and lifts and we keep Rizzo in the Bronx in 2022. 

–Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof