BREAKING: Padres Set to Sign Former Yankees Star First Baseman for Final Career Chapter
Padres paired with Anthony Rizzo in recent FA projection
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report mentioned the Padres as a team Rizzo might sign with in free agency, saying thus (via Aaliyan Mohammed of The Sporting News):
Reuter stated, “A reunion with Anthony Rizzo makes sense for both sides as the 35-year-old tries to catch on with a contender and the Padres look to add another bat on the left side of the infield.” “In the Adrian Gonzalez blockbuster, the Padres acquired Rizzo from the Red Sox before the 2011 season. He stayed with the team for a year before being traded to the Cubs once more.”
Padres: Rizzo was not the same player in 2024 for Yankees
Anthony Rizzo’s production has declined over the past two MLB seasons. In 2024, the former three-time All-Star appeared in just 92 games—marking his second straight year with fewer than 100 games played—and recorded eight home runs, 35 RBIs, and 38 runs scored for the New York Yankees.
Despite his struggles, Rizzo delivered in the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Guardians, boosting his batting average from .228 during the regular season to an impressive .429 with a 1.000 OPS. However, questions remain about how much the 14-year veteran has left to contribute. Defensively, concerns have also emerged, as the Yankees pursued and secured an upgrade at first base this offseason with Paul Goldschmidt.
Potential Headlines:
- “Padres Extend Offer to Korean Superstar, Await MLB Decision”
- “Padres Still in the Mix for Japanese Star Righty”
- “Padres Eyeing Generational Talent to Bolster Rotation This Offseason”
Padres: Rizzo can return to form if healthy in 2025
The Padres may, however, use another hitter that could have an effect. Rizzo has the potential to return to his 2022 form, which was not too long ago, when he hit a career-high 32 home runs and drove in 75 RBIs, if he can remain healthy for the upcoming season. The Florida native will probably be able to sign a short-term, affordable contract with San Diego.