The New York Yankees have long been a powerhouse in Major League Baseball, expected to dominate the diamond with their storied roster and relentless offensive firepower. However, the team has underperformed offensively this season, with key players struggling to live up to their career averages. One such player is Anthony Rizzo, the Yankees’ veteran first baseman. In light of Rizzo’s declining stats and the looming uncertainty around his contract, speculation has surged about a potential blockbuster move that would see the Bronx Bombers lure the New York Mets’ star slugger Pete Alonso across town to Yankee Stadium. This strategic switch could fundamentally reshape the balance of power in New York baseball and put Rizzo’s tenure in pinstripes under the microscope.
Switching bases in New York: Could Pete Alonso replace Anthony Rizzo?
Despite being widely expected to be one of the most potent offensive teams this season after trading for Juan Soto, the Yankees have struggled to deliver consistently at the plate, even though they hold a very comfortable winning record. Anthony Rizzo, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the team in 2022, has managed a slash line of .263/.329/.429 across 133 at-bats this season. These numbers fall relatively below his career averages of .263/.363/.473 over his 14-year tenure, and given that he is aging, and possibly past his prime, it raises questions about his future at first base. That said, he’s presently running a hot streak and recently hit his 300th career home run.
The Athletic’s MLB insider Ken Rosenthal has stirred speculation by suggesting that the Yankees could look to bring in Pete Alonso, currently with the New York Mets, as a potential replacement for Anthony Rizzo. “Anything is possible in the unpredictable world of free agency,” Rosenthal wrote. “Soto could end up a (New York) Met, and Alonso could wind up replacing Anthony Rizzo with the New York Yankees.”
Anthony Rizzo’s current contract includes a third-year, $17 million club option, creating an interesting scenario if the Yankees opt not to retain him. Alonso, who is five years younger than Rizzo and boasts a career slugging percentage of .522, could represent an upgrade for the Yankees as they seek to revitalize their offense. Although Alonso is currently hitting just .205/.293/.417 this season, he has been a consistent force in the Mets’ lineup for over six years and could fill a significant void for the Yankees.
However, securing Alonso’s services wouldn’t come cheap. His next contract is likely to require a long-term commitment and an annual salary comparable to Anthony Rizzo’s. Estimates suggest that an extension for Alonso could reach nine years and $207 million, according to Tim Britton of The Athletic. Yet, given his power and age, the Yankees could see Alonso as a worthwhile investment.
Subway Series – but a bidding war?
While the Yankees have been linked to Alonso, securing the Mets’ slugger won’t be without competition. Despite recent turmoil within the Mets organization, the team is expected to remain involved in negotiations for Alonso after this season. As CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa noted, “All signs point to Alonso becoming a free agent after the season and testing the waters, and I’m sure the Mets will stay involved in the bidding.”
The Yankees are positioned to have significant payroll flexibility, with as much as $100 million potentially coming off their books between this season and the next. While re-signing Soto is a priority, adding a talent like Alonso would shore up their offensive lineup should Soto opt to leave. The Yankees would need to outbid their crosstown rivals, who have a vested interest in keeping Alonso, to seal the deal.
Ultimately, Alonso could prove to be the perfect addition to the Yankees camp and help strengthen an already powerful offense. However, given the fierce competition that awaits, the Yankees will have to strategize carefully to win the upcoming free-agent battle. What do you think? Leave your comment below!
No, no, no, & no. For so many reasons this won’t make sense for the Yankees. So many internal possibilities, which includes cheaper alternatives. Alonzo will get his $40M, but he is not worth it. I’m assuming the Yankees years ago, replaced Gene Michael, as a fixture at every Mets home game, do the Yankees have a very detailed scouting report on him.