ESPN: The Yankees Get $24 Million Replacement for Anthony Rizzo in a Game-Changing Trade Idea

ESPN: The Yankees Get $24 Million Replacement for Anthony Rizzo in a Game-Changing Trade Idea

Yandy Díaz goes yard in Tampa's win. (+Spring Training Report) - The Cuban  Baseball Digest

The New York Yankees are working hard to get outfielder Juan Soto to sign a lucrative contract again. However, after turning down Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 club option, general manager Brian Cashman must now cover a first base void. Could Yandy Díaz, a first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, be the Bombers’ answer? In 2024, the portion of the diamond was almost a black hole for New York. FanGraphs shows that the collective value of five players at first base was -1.1 WAR. The Cincinnati Reds, Colorado Rockies, and Houston Astros were the only three clubs that were worse.

Yandy Díaz extension: Rays agree to three-year, $24 million deal with  infielder - CBSSports.com

After recording a.932 OPS and taking home the Silver Slugger Award in 2023, Díaz’s 2024 performance took a tiny turn for the worst, but the Yankees would still greatly benefit from having him. In 621 plate appearances, he slashed.281/.341/.414 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI for the Rays. In the American League East, would Tampa Bay be willing to trade Díaz? If the price is correct, it’s probably feasible. Jim Bowden of The Athletic talked about what New York might provide to accomplish a goal.

Yandy Díaz wins AL Silver Slugger Award at first base

“In return, the Rays might be able to land two prospects such as speedy center fielder Brando Mayea and righty Zach Messinger, who could develop into a back-of-the-rotation starter,” Bowden stated. The Yankees would have a cost-effective, multi-year first base option if they were to acquire Díaz. He will get $10 million the next season when he enters the last guaranteed season of a three-year, $24 million contract in 2025. Additionally, a $12 million club option is in place for the right-handed hitter’s age-34 campaign in 2026.

 

 

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