When Anthony Rizzo collided with Fernando Tatis Jr. on May 28, 2023, the slugger's career went sideways, as did the entire position group.
Since the day Rizzo struggled and was eventually diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome, the Yankees first baseman has had the worst record in baseball.
In the 289 games since his accident, the Yankees first baseman has posted a .602 OPS, which is by far the worst (29th with the Brewers at .654).
There were 129 batters who received enough at-bats to qualify for the individual award in 2024, but the Royals' Michael Garcia had the lowest OPS at .613.
For quite some time, baseball's most eligible hitters have outperformed the Yankees' first baseman.
Since the crash, DJ LeMahieu, Ben Rice, Oswaldo Cabrera, Jake Bowers and J.D. Davis have had opportunities (as well as Jon Barty in the '24 postseason).
No one else will take the job, and after the Yankees decline Rizzo's option, they will start looking to solve a surprising problem.
Before the Yankees make any action, the Juan Soto sweepstakes needs to be settled, and where Soto ends up will dictate nearly every major decision the Yankees make this winter.
If he had $600 million to $700 million in his budget, he would have more freedom to splurge as a first baseman.
Free agents searching for first base help include:
pete alonso
The longtime Mets slugger has hit 226 home runs since his debut in 2019, second only to Aaron Judge.
He turns 30 next month, but he's proven himself in important situations in New York and rarely leaves the field.
But Alonso is coming off the worst season statistically of his career (.788 OPS) and will be looking for the biggest and longest contract of any free agent to play in the first place.
He's a right-handed slugger, and the Yankees would likely prefer a lefty behind Aaron Judge.
He's a playable first baseman, but his defense isn't very strong.
christian walker
The Diamondback, a perennial Gold Glove winner, is one of the most underrated players in MLB. He posted an .813 OPS over the past three seasons and averaged nearly 32 home runs per year.
Walker is a right-handed swinger and a high-priced player who will turn 34 in March, but there are concerns about how long he can continue playing at this level.
Carlos Santana
The 15-year veteran has aged well, winning a Gold Glove Award in 2024 in his age-38 season.
He hit 23 home runs with a .749 OPS at the University of Minnesota and still has a switch-hitter's bat, making him an affordable short-term deal.
But for how long? Santana will turn 39 in April, but his numbers are declining and the Yankees have too many aging sluggers.
paul goldschmidt
Speaking of aging sluggers, the seven-time All-Star is on the decline in his career, but was still a threat last season with 22 home runs and a .716 OPS.
He won National League MVP in 2022.
But Goldschmidt is 37 years old and coming off the worst season of his career (although he was much stronger in the second half than he was in the first half).
anthony rizzo
His bat looked better in October. If the Yankees acquire Soto and look for a bargain, he could be an affordable option.
Alternatively, you can seek trade assistance.
lamonte wade jr.
The Giants reportedly want to take a pay cut, with the first baseman and right fielder expected to be paid about $5 million in arbitration.
Wade, 30, is a left-handed swinger who isn't much of a power threat, but he has an on-base percentage of .376 over the past two seasons and could be the Yankees' leadoff hitter.
Yandy Diaz
The corner infielder is scheduled to make $10 million next season, an amount the Rays often pay.
Diaz, a 33-year-old right-handed swinger, is coming off a lackluster season (.755 OPS), although he earned MVP votes in '22 and '23.
Nathaniel Rowe
The Rangers may also be able to cut payroll costs, with the Rangers reportedly planning to pay Lowe approximately $10 million to $11 million in arbitration.
The 29-year-old has been solid in his four seasons at Texas, posting a .791 OPS and averaging just under 20 home runs a season.
Josh Naylor
The Guardians would have to pay the left-handed first baseman/outfielder about $12 million, which is a lot of money for Cleveland, who also has a top first base candidate in Kyle Manzard.
Naylor, 27, was an All-Star last season and hit a career-high 31 home runs with a .776 OPS.
Naylor became an enemy of the Yankees in 2022 after he was caught on camera calling Gerrit Cole “my little shitty son” during a “Rock the Baby” celebration after a home run in the ALDS. .
Or you can look inside.
ben rice
He has appeared in just 50 games in the major leagues and brings a disciplined approach that the Yankees like.
DJ LeMahieu
He is scheduled to be paid $30 million over the next two seasons.
oswaldo cabrera
His bat showed promise late last season.
