When Anthony Rizzo collided with Fernando Tatis Jr. on May 28, 2023, a slugger’s career was sidetracked — as was an entire positional group.
Since that day, after which Rizzo struggled and eventually was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, Yankees first basemen have been the worst in baseball.
In 289 games since the crash, Yankees first basemen have posted a .602 OPS that is easily the lowest (29th is the Brewers at .654).
Anthony Rizzo reacts during Game 5 of the World Series on Oct. 30, 2024.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
There were 129 hitters who received enough plate appearances to qualify for individual awards in 2024, and the worst OPS belonged to the Royals’ Maikel Garcia at .613.
For quite a long stretch, the worst qualified hitter in baseball has outperformed Yankees first basemen.
Since the collision, DJ LeMahieu, Ben Rice, Oswaldo Cabrera, Jake Bauers and J.D. Davis had chances (as did Jon Berti in the ’24 postseason).
None ran with the job, and after the Yankees declined Rizzo’s option, they will be on the hunt to fix what has been a surprising problem.
The Juan Soto sweepstakes will have to be settled before the Yankees can act, and where Soto ends up will dictate just about every significant decision the Yankees make this winter.
If they have an extra $600 million-$700 million in the budget, they could more freely splurge at first base.
When they search for first base help, free agents will include:
Pete Alonso
The longtime Mets slugger has blasted 226 home runs since debuting in 2019 — second only to Aaron Judge.
He will turn 30 next month, is proven both in New York and big moments, and just about never leaves the field.
Alonso, though, is coming off the worst statistical season of his career (.788 OPS) and will be looking for the largest and longest pact of the free agents who play first.
Pete Alonso has blasted 226 home runs since debuting in 2019Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
He is a righty slugger, and the Yankees likely would prefer a lefty behind Aaron Judge.
He is a playable but not strong defensive first baseman.
Christian Walker
The longtime Diamondback has won three straight Gold Gloves and is among the more underrated players in MLB. He owns an .813 OPS over his past three seasons and averaged nearly 32 homers per year in the span.
Walker is a righty swinger, will be expensive and turning 34 in March, with concerns about how much longer he can keep playing at this level.
Carlos Santana
The 15-year veteran has aged well, winning a Gold Glove in 2024 during his age-38 season.
He likely will be affordable on a short-term pact after hitting 23 home runs with a .749 OPS with Minnesota, his switch-hitting bat still a weapon.
But for how long? Santana will be 39 in April, his numbers have slid and the Yankees have fielded too many aging sluggers
Carlos Santana won a Gold Glove in 2024 during his age-38 season.USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Paul Goldschmidt
Speaking of aging sluggers, the seven-time All-Star is on the downslope of his career but still a threat, hitting 22 home runs with a .716 OPS last season.
As recently as 2022, he was the National League MVP.
Yet, Goldschmidt is 37 and coming off the worst season of his career (though he was much stronger in the second half than first).
Paul Goldschmidt hit 22 home runs with a .716 OPS last season.AP
Anthony Rizzo
His bat looked better in October. He could be an affordable option if the Yankees land Soto and seek bargains.
Or they could seek trade help:
LaMonte Wade Jr.
The Giants reportedly want to cut salary, and the first baseman/right fielder is due around $5 million in arbitration.
The 30-year-old Wade, a lefty swinger, is not much of a power threat but owns a .376 on-base percentage over the past two seasons and could be the Yankees leadoff hitter.
Yandy Diaz
The corner infielder is due $10 million for next season, which is a price point that the Rays often offload.
Diaz, a 33-year-old righty swinger, received MVP votes in ’22 and ’23, but is coming off a down season (.755 OPS).
Nathaniel Lowe
The Rangers also reportedly may trim payroll, and they are set to pay Lowe around $10 million-$11 million in arbitration.
The 29-year-old has been solid in four seasons with Texas, with whom he has posted a .791 OPS while averaging just under 20 homers per season.
Nathaniel Lowe has posted a .791 OPS while averaging just under 20 homers across four seasons with the Rangers.AP
Josh Naylor
The Guardians would need to pay the lefty first baseman/outfielder around $12 million, which is a lot for Cleveland — a club that also has top prospect Kyle Manzardo at first base.
The 27-year-old Naylor was an All-Star last season, when he hit a career-best 31 homers while posting a .776 OPS.
Naylor became a Yankees enemy in 2022, when he did a “rock-the-baby” celebration following a home run in the ALDS and could be seen on camera calling Gerrit Cole “my little f–king son.”
Or they could look internally:
Ben Rice
He has played just 50 major league games and brings a disciplined approach the Yankees like.
DJ LeMahieu
He is due $30M over the next two seasons
Oswaldo Cabrera
His bat showed promise at the end of last season.
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