Coming into 2024, the Yankees had little reason to believe that production at first base would be as bad as it has been. And not only has it been bad, but it’s also arguably been their biggest liability this season.
Yankees First Baseman Woes Could End With Veteran’s Return
Before sustaining a concussion in May of ’23, veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo was one of the stronger pieces of an otherwise mediocre Yankee lineup. Unfortunately for the 35-year-old, his production since the injury has dipped significantly. Prior to fracturing his arm this June, Rizzo was hitting a meek .223/.289/.341 with an OPS+ of 76.
Things may be turning around for Rizzo, however. Having started a rehab assignment with the Somerset Patriots (AA), he’ll soon be back in the Bronx. However, this doesn’t solve the problem of who the Yankees’ starting first baseman will be come October.
More Than An Issue
The Yankees’ current lineup has notably been very top-heavy, with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto seemingly carrying the offense on their backs at times. While players like Anthony Volpe and Alex Verdugo have been inconsistent in their contributions to the offense, the Yankees have had disastrously low production from their first basemen.
Going by OPS, they’ve had the second-worst production from first base in all of MLB (ahead of the Houston Astros). Former batting champion DJ LeMahieu has been one of baseball’s worst hitters, owning a WRC+ of 50. Rookie Ben Rice has had an unacceptably long cold streak after hitting .294 with 4 homers in his first 17 games. As mentioned, Rizzo has had an unusually terrible season.
The Yankees clearly need to resolve this problem, but at this point in the season, it doesn’t look like they can.
Can Rizzo Return To Form?
Unless LeMahieu or Rice goes on an unlikely hot streak, it appears that Rizzo is the Yanks’ only hope. The former Cub can produce at a high level, having hit 303 home runs in his career. But as sad as it is, he appears to be on his way out, evidenced by a multitude of injuries and terrible performances over the last few years.
What’s worse for Rizzo is that this may be his last stint in New York. The Yankees hold a 2025 club option for $20 million, which will likely be declined no matter how well he performs. As for who the odd man out at first is, Ben Rice is the most likely player to be sent down when Rizzo returns. But, in the words of Aaron Boone, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
On the flip side, Rizzo could still contribute this fall. His lefty bat is always useful at Yankee Stadium, and he will almost certainly see playing time. Given the chance, he could somewhat return to form. What’s even more encouraging is his rehab performance with Somerset, clobbering a homer in his first game back in the field.
THE RIZZ GOD STRIKES IN SOMERSET🤌
Anthony Rizzo clubs a solo homer in his third game of MLB rehab assignment! #RepBX @Yankees pic.twitter.com/Pihpr3e6EC
— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) August 27, 2024
The Last Word
Every contending team has flaws in one place or another. As for the Yankees, their shortcomings have been at the bottom of the lineup, particularly at first. If New York wants to make a deep run in the postseason, all they can do is hope that they can get by offensively without teams exposing the glaring hole that has been first base.
Main Photo Credits: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
