HUGE SIGNING: Yankees Land $124 Million Anthony Rizzo Replacement in Blockbuster Trade After Beating Dodgers and Mets In a 3 Team Trade War

The New York Yankees are trying to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto to a lucrative contract. However, general manager Brian Cashman must fill a vacancy at first base after declining Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 club option. Could Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz be a viable option for the Bombers? That section of the diamond was effectively a black hole for New York in 2024.

 

According to FanGraphs, five different players combined for -1.1 WAR at first base. Only three other clubs, the Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, and Cincinnati Reds, performed worse. Díaz’s 2024 performance may not be as impressive as his.932 OPS and Silver Slugger Award in 2023, but he remains a significant upgrade for the Yankees. He hit.281/.341/.414 with 14 home runs and 65 RBI in 621 plate appearances for the Rays. Would Tampa Bay be willing to trade Díaz inside the American League East? It’s probably achievable if the price is right. Jim Bowden of The Athletic highlighted what New York may provide to help get things done.

“In return, the Rays might be able to land two prospects such as speedy centre fielder Brando Mayea and righty Zach Messinger, who could develop into a back-of-the-rotation starter,” wrote Bowden. Landing Díaz would offer the Yankees a cost-effective long-term solution for first base. In 2025, he enters the final guaranteed season of a three-year, $24 million contract and will earn $10 million next season. There is also a $12 million club option for 2026, the right-handed hitter’s 34th season.