“There’s no place I’d rather be” - Anthony Rizzo on his future with the Yankees and the drive to return
The New York Yankees could receive some reinforcements as Anthony Rizzo continues to ramp up his recovery from the arm fracture he suffered back in June. There is reportedly a chance that he can return to the lineup as early as this weekend.
Rizzo was asked about his potential return to the lineup and what the future might hold for him with the club. The three-time All-Star did not shy away from stating his desire to stay with the Yankees next season, as well as his hunger to perform.
"I love being a Yankee, there's no place I'd rather be playing than in New York in the Bronx," Rizzo told reporters when asked about the club option in his contract for 2025.
Anthony Rizzo continued to explain how the fire has been lit under him and he is motivated to contribute as much as he can to the team's postseason run.
It's been a difficult season so far for the four-time Gold Glove winner. However, given the struggles of some of the other Yankees players, the door is open for him to re-establish himself.
This would give him a chance to rebuild his value to the team. It's something that could be important this offseason as the Yankees have a $17,000,000 club option on Rizzo's contract for 2025.
It will be important for him to show that he can still provide value to New York on both sides of the ball before the postseason comes around.
It has not exactly been the bounceback season that Anthony Rizzo was hoping for. After missing time last season due to a concussion, the veteran first baseman was hoping to rediscover his All-Star form for the New York Yankees this year.
Unfortunately for Rizzo, he has not only underperformed this year but suffered yet another significant injury that has limited him to only 70 games so far. Hopefully, he will make a comeback from the injury soon.
Anthony Rizzo could take over his starting gig at first base as DJ LeMahieu continues to struggle
Even though Rizzo has only posted a .223 batting average with 8 home runs and a .630 OPS this year, he could find himself back in an everyday role. Rizzo's replacement at first base, DJ LeMahieu has not exactly been tearing the cover off the baseball this season. This could give Rizzo an immediate opportunity to start for the club.
Although Rizzo has been unable to perform at his All-Star level, LeMahieu has been even more disappointing, becoming more of a detriment to the team than an asset. Either way, the New York Yankees will need both veterans to step up if they are hoping to secure their first World Series title since 2009.