Yankees Offseason Shakeup: Rizzo Out, Cole’s Big Decision Looms
As the dust settles from the New York Yankees’ disappointing World Series performance, the team has begun to make significant moves that could reshape its roster for the upcoming season. The most notable news is the Yankees’ decision to decline Anthony Rizzo’s $17 million option for the 2025 season, which activates a $6 million buyout. This decision turns Rizzo, a seasoned first baseman, into an unrestricted free agent, marking the end of his two-year stint with the team.
Rizzo, who signed with the Yankees in 2022, has faced a challenging few seasons. In 2024 alone, he missed a substantial amount of time due to injuries, including a fractured forearm and complications from a concussion that limited his play in the latter part of the previous season. Despite returning for the postseason, he struggled at the plate, finishing the year with a .228 batting average, 8 home runs, and 35 RBIs over 92 games. His season was particularly marred by a critical miscommunication in Game 5 of the World Series, where a failure to execute a defensive play alongside ace pitcher Gerrit Cole contributed to a stunning collapse in a pivotal moment.
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Speaking of Cole, the Yankees are also faced with a crucial decision regarding their ace pitcher, who has opted out of his nine-year, $324 million contract, leaving them with a $180 million decision that must be made swiftly. Cole has four years and $144 million remaining on his deal, but he believes he could secure a more lucrative contract in free agency. If the Yankees opt to retain him, they can avoid the opt-out by extending his contract for another year and an additional $36 million, making it a record-breaking ten-year deal worth $360 million.
Cole, now a six-time All-Star and the reigning Cy Young winner, had a solid season despite a rocky start due to elbow issues. He finished 2024 with a respectable 3.41 ERA and proved his mettle in the postseason, particularly with a stellar performance in the World Series. However, the Yankees must weigh the financial implications of keeping him against exploring other options on the market, especially as they navigate their budget while also considering the pursuit of other star players like Juan Soto, who is set to be a free agent this offseason.
The decisions made regarding Rizzo and Cole are just the beginning of what promises to be a tumultuous offseason for the Yankees. With key players like Gleyber Torres and Alex Verdugo also entering free agency, there are multiple paths the franchise could take. As fans and analysts eagerly await the Yankees’ next moves, one thing is certain: the landscape of the team will likely shift significantly as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing end to the season and reclaim their status as contenders in the highly competitive MLB landscape.
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