Yankees Could Target 3-Time All-Star in Trade to Replace Anthony Rizzo: Insider

When the trade deadline comes around, the New York Yankees might try to improve their infield. The team may specifically be trying to upgrade at first base. In 2024, Anthony Rizzo has had difficulty and has not demonstrated many indications of improvement. Jim Bowden of The Athletic recommended Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a trade candidate to replace Rizzo at first base.

With a record of 33–35, the Toronto Blue Jays are three games out of the third American League wild card slot. At the deadline, they might actually turn into sellers, but that’s not a given.

Between now and the trade deadline, the Yankees will keep an eye on the right side of their infield in the hopes that both first baseman Anthony Rizzo and second baseman Gleyber Torres begin to produce at a high level.

 

The Yankees’ $300 million payroll was described as “not sustainable” by owner Hal Steinbrenner 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 said, 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 become a casualty in the pursuit of Soto if the club also wants to reduce payroll. If Steinbrenner had not been concerned about the $300 million payroll the Yankees could pay everyone.

“Because the Yankees seem committed to saving money in spots they can, Rizzo may become a casualty of the team’s Soto pursuit,” The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner wrote while breaking down the Yankees’ payroll.

Guerrero is an Upgrade from Rizzo

Guerrero is a three-time All-Star, Gold Glove Award winner and Silver Slugger. He won his arbitration hearing before the 2024 season. His $19.9 million salary was the highest awarded in a case decided by a hearing in history. Financially, Guerrero will not be a cheaper option than Rizzo. However, he is still arbitration-eligible and will not be a free agent until 2026.

The Blue Jays may be inclined to move their stars at the deadline and build towards the future.

 

“I don’t think they’re opposed to it,” an unnamed executive told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. “They’ve talked to teams about it. The asks were ridiculous, but I think they’re going to try to retool a lot, and using those guys to get pieces may be the way to do it.”

Guerrero has a .281 batting average with a .778 OPS. The Yankees’ priority in the offseason will be keeping Juan Soto in the Bronx. However, if Rizzo isn’t producing enough then the Yankees could make a trade for a player like Guerrero. They could trade Guerrero in the winter if they do not want to pay him because it may interfere with their plans to keep Soto.