Anthony Rizzo Makes A Definitive 2023 Decision

New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo had leveraged his strong season in 2022 into another run at free agency.

Yes: he had the option to play out the 2023 campaign on a $16 million salary, but declined it and entered free agency.

He also rejected the Yankees’ qualifying offer to look for that multi-year deal.

As it turns out, he got it.

Anthony Rizzo is re-signing with the Yankees on a multi-year deal, via @Ken_Rosenthal pic.twitter.com/LAhCjViLYM

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 15, 2022

“Anthony Rizzo is re-signing with the Yankees on a multi-year deal, via @Ken_Rosenthal,” MLB On Fox tweeted on Tuesday afternoon.

YES Network’s Jack Curry also offered some details about the deal.

“The Rizzo deal is for 2 years, $34M with a club option for $17M for a third year. The buyout in the third year is for $6M,” he wrote.

The Rizzo deal is for 2 years, $34M with a club option for $17M for a third year. The buyout in the third year is for $6M.

— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) November 15, 2022

Rizzo hit 32 home runs on a .224/.338/.480 line.

An Excellent Season And A Fair Deal

He had a 132 wRC+, which means that he produced 32 percent more than the league average hitter.

It’s safe to say he got his power stroke back.

Not only that, but he was also one of the few Yankees hitters who actually produced something in the postseason.

He is also a clubhouse darling and one of the leaders of the team.

Rizzo also offers a terrific glove at first base, and is particularly good at catching all kinds of throws from infielders.

There was no reason not to bring him back, especially with a relatively weak free agent class at first base.

All parties appear to be happy: Rizzo gets a multi-year deal that could be as long as three years, and the Yankees can cross first base off their team needs list.

Now, if they can re-sign Aaron Judge, they can enter 2023 knowing they can seriously contend for the title.