Is Rizzo out of Yankees plan? Cashman’s praise for Rice raises questions

Brian Cashman, the general manager of the New York Yankees, has been notably reserved about Anthony Rizzo‘s role upon his expected return in August. On Wednesday, as reported by Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News, Cashman declined to comment on Rizzo’s future position and did not reveal whether the Yankees had sought a first baseman during the trade deadline.

Despite withholding details on these topics, Cashman praised rookie Ben Rice for his performance at first base, complicating the outlook for Rizzo’s role on the team.

Rizzo’s injury occurred on June 16 at Fenway Park during a game against the Red Sox, when the Yankees star fractured his arm in an unusual collision at first base while trying to beat out a slow ground ball. The injury placed him on the 60-day injured list with a recovery timeline of two months.

Before the injury, Rizzo was enduring one of the toughest offensive seasons of his 14-year career. In 70 games, he recorded a slash line of .223/.289/.341, with just eight home runs and 28 RBI, resulting in a -0.5 WAR.

The Yankees‘ choice not to acquire a first baseman at the trade deadline, combined with Rice’s commendable performance and Rizzo’s looming return, presents a complex situation the team will need to address in the coming weeks.

The New York Yankees are faced with a critical decision as Anthony Rizzo nears his return from injury, while rookie Ben Rice continues to impress at first base. Rizzo, acquired at the 2021 trade deadline and later signed to a two-year, $40 million contract before the 2023 season, currently earns $17 million annually. The Yankees hold a team option for Rizzo at the same salary for next year, with the potential to release him after this season for a $6 million buyout. Rizzo could become a free agent in 2026.

When the four-time Gold Glove winner was sidelined, the Yankees called up Ben Rice, their 12th-ranked prospect. Rice, a 2021 late-round draft pick (363rd overall), had rapidly ascended through the minor leagues, beginning this season at Triple-A.

In Rizzo’s absence, 25-year-old Rice has performed admirably. Over 35 major league games, he has posted a .447 slugging percentage, with six doubles, seven home runs, 22 RBIs, and a 0.1 WAR. Remarkably, Rice made Yankees history by becoming the first rookie to hit three home runs in a single game during a July contest at Fenway Park.

Rice’s .746 OPS and 106 OPS+ stand out compared to Rizzo’s .630 OPS and 77 OPS+ this season. However, his sample size of 134 major league plate appearances is relatively small, and his offensive production has shown typical rookie inconsistency against MLB pitching.

The Yankees now face a dilemma: whether to continue with the promising but inexperienced Rice or reinstate the veteran Rizzo during a critical division race and potential postseason run. This decision will hinge on the team’s confidence in Rice’s ability to sustain his performance and Rizzo’s health and readiness upon his return.

Cashman stoutly defends Yankees’ deadline moves

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has expressed confidence in the team’s roster following one of the most active trade deadlines in recent years. Cashman conveyed his satisfaction with the team’s composition both before and after the deadline, anticipating further improvement as injured players return.

The Yankees bolstered their roster by acquiring infielder/outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. and right-handed relievers Mark Leiter Jr. and Enyel De Los Santos. However, they fell short in securing a starting pitcher, with negotiations to acquire Jack Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers breaking down over player valuation disagreements.

“I like what we had before we made the moves and I know we’ve improved since these moves,” he told reporters. “I think we had a really good team already, and it will get better obviously over the course of time when some guys come back from the IL. And I think with the imports, too, we’ve made it better. And certainly, that’s always the effort that you have.”

Cashman explained that the team approached the deadline with an open mind, considering enhancements in all areas. He acknowledged the complexities of the process, which include unexpected challenges and valuation mismatches with other organizations.

The Yankees general manager reiterated his confidence in closer Clay Holmes and the team’s overall bullpen composition, which now includes several recent acquisitions. Cashman clarified that the organization’s approach at the trade deadline was to secure the best available talent rather than targeting a new closer specifically.

While acknowledging that Holmes deviates from the typical modern closer profile—favoring contact over overpowering fastballs—Cashman affirmed his belief in Holmes as a top-tier reliever. He pointed out that Holmes’ struggles often stem from mechanical issues and bad luck, such as infield hits and bloop singles, rather than a decline in skill.

Cashman emphasized that the team’s primary goal was to bolster the bullpen overall, providing the manager with more late-game options rather than focusing solely on Holmes’ performance. He expressed gratitude for having Holmes and a commitment to enhancing the talent around him.

Addressing the lack of left-handed reliever acquisitions, Cashman revealed that the team had extensively considered this option. He highlighted Mark Leiter Jr.’s effectiveness against left-handed batters, thanks to his splitter, as a potential solution.

Cashman stated that their trade deadline strategy was to explore all avenues for improvement, asserting that their bullpen is now stronger. He also mentioned the anticipated return of injured players, which should further bolster the team.

Looking ahead, Cashman noted that while the focus remains on the regular season, the team is already considering how some starting pitchers might transition to bullpen roles for the postseason.

Overall, Cashman’s comments reflect a strategic approach to team-building, balancing immediate needs with future considerations, and showing confidence in both the existing roster and recent additions.

Despite not landing a starting pitcher, Cashman expressed confidence in the team’s pitching depth. He praised Will Warren‘s major league debut in Philadelphia, viewing it as a positive indication of the team’s pitching resources. Cashman also mentioned the impending returns of Clarke Schmidt and Cody Poteet to bolster the starting rotation.

Cashman’s comments reflect a strategy of balanced improvement, leveraging both external acquisitions and internal development. While the Yankees made notable additions, particularly in the infield and bullpen, Cashman’s remarks suggest a belief in the team’s existing talent pool, especially in pitching. His optimism about returning players and emerging prospects indicates a multifaceted approach to strengthening the team for the remainder of the season.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.