The New York Yankees hold the greatest record in the MLB. Aaron Judge and Juan Soto lead the Yankees (50-24). The Yankees, on the other hand, have obvious roster needs in order to compete for a World Series title. One of these requirements is at first base. With Anthony Rizzo’s injury, the Yankees may be more willing to upgrade through trade. In a June 17 piece for The Athletic, Chris Kirschner referred to LaMonte Wade Jr. as a “under-the-radar” trade target.
Rizzo left the Yankees’ June 16 game against the Red Sox due to a collision at first base. The original scan results were negative, but Rizzo will be tested again on June 17.
Wade gets an upgrade. From Rizzo.
Rizzo has battled tremendously this season. As a result, he was withdrawn from the starting lineup on June 9 and 10. This season he’s slicing.223/.289/.341 in 70 games.
“Since his concussion at the end of May 2023, Rizzo has been one of the MLB’s worst hitters. Rizzo has the fourth-lowest OPS among 191 players with at least 450 plate appearances since May 28, 2023, according to Kirschner. “This season, Rizzo has set career lows in the following hitting metrics: barrel percentage, average exit velocity, max exit velocity, sweet-spot percentage, wOBA, xwOBA, xwOBACON, and hard-hit percentage.” Rizzo will be 35 in August. Given his advanced metrics and age, a turnaround is unlikely.
Wade hasn’t played since May 27 due to a hamstring issue. However, Kirschner stated that he is expected to return before the end of the month. Wade has a.333/.470/.426 slash line in 52 games this season.
Wade has also been one of MLB’s most patient hitters, with a walk rate of 15.9 percent since 2022, the fourth-best figure for any hitter with at least 500 plate appearances.” Putting Wade in the middle of the Yankees’ lineup would offer them an even greater balance of power, contact, and patience. Wade is not only a talented hitter, but also a solid defender. This season, he is tied for fifth at first base with three outs above average.
The San Francisco Giants may not be willing to sell at the deadline. Like the rest of the National League, they are in contention for a postseason position.
Rizzo’s Future With the Yankees.
“Under team control through next season, Wade offers a more economical option at first base for the Yankees as they potentially reduce payroll in 2025,” Kirschner stated. “Rizzo has a $17 million club option for 2025, with a $6 million buyout if the Yankees decline.”
Rizzo’s future depends not just on his performance, but also on the Yankees’ payroll problems and pursuit of Juan Soto.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner called the Yankees’ $300 million payroll as “not sustainable” during the owners meetings on May 22.
“I’m gonna be honest, payrolls at the levels we’re at right now are simply not sustainable for us financially,” Steinbrenner remarked, according to the New York Post. “It wouldn’t be sustainable for the vast majority of ownership [groups], given the luxury tax we have to pay.”
Rizzo may be a casualty in the chase of Soto if the club also wants to cut money.
“Because the Yankees appear to be committed to saving money wherever they can, Rizzo may become a casualty of the team’s Soto pursuit,” wrote The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner while breaking down the Yankees’ budget.
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