Anthony Rizzo will sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates

After falling short in the World Series last season, the Yankees will likely explore options at first base through free agency or a trade. With that in mind, Anthony Rizzo’s tenure in New York appears to be over, which is why he will sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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Rizzo’s final season in NY

Anthony Rizzo was a solid Yankee, but they didn’t necessarily get what they traded for in 2021. A three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award winner, Rizzo enjoyed great success for the Cubs. Since joining the Yankees, he batted .234 and did not make an All-Star Game or win a Gold Glove. In his final season, Rizzo played in just 92 games, posted career lows in most offensive categories, and missed some playoff time due to injury. Rizzo is now 35, and although the Yankees needed his veteran presence a few years ago, they are contending for a World Series and can’t have an injury-plagued 35-year-old first baseman on their team. Rizzo needs to go to a team that values ​​his veteran presence, which is why he’s going to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

A young pirate team

With Rowdy Tellez entering free agency, the Pirates’ first basemen spot is wide open. The majority of the Pirates’ current roster is under 27, so Rizzo’s experienced leadership will be crucial if the Pirates want to have more success than last year. At the top are Bryan Reynalds, who played six seasons and is a two-time All-Star, then-27-year-old Gold Glove winner Ke’Bryan Hayes and Oneil Cruz, who has shown great promise as long as he can stay on the field. Henry Davis, Liover Peguero and Jack Suwinski are other young players who can contribute to a playoff team if the Pirates get there.

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Add to that a veteran like Rizzo who has done it all; They won a Platinum Glove and a World Series and were nominated to three All-Star Games. This is what the Pirates need to get the most out of their young talent. The competitiveness and inspiration that Rizzo would bring to the locker room is necessary for any young organization. I know I’m talking about Rizzo like he’s just there as a mentor, but Rizzo will also be added to the lineup if he can stay healthy since he still provides solid defense, doesn’t hit too quickly, and there’s no completeness Liability for crimes. It’s worth the money if they can sign him to a short 1-2 year deal.

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