(Audacy) The New York Yankees have their first baseman, and it isn't Freddie Freeman.
The Yankees are in an agreement on a two-year, $32-million deal to bring back Anthony Rizzo, pending a physical, Jesse Rogers of ESPN reported Tuesday night. The deal includes an opt-out after the first season, according to reports.
Rizzo, 32, was traded from the Chicago Cubs to the Yankees last July at the trade deadline and provided some much-needed left-handed pop and versatility to the lineup.
In 49 games with New York, Rizzo hit eight home runs and had 21 RBIs with a slash line of .249/.340/.429 and a .768 OPS.
Rizzo also brings Gold Glove-caliber defense to first base, a weakness for the Yankees until they traded for him last season. Their infield now consists of Rizzo, Gleyber Torres at second, Isiah Kiner-Falefa at shortshop and Josh Donaldson at third. DJ LeMahieu can fill in at first, second or third base.
The Yankees must now decide what to do with Luke Voit, who seems to be the odd man out in their offseason moves to improve the infield.
By signing Rizzo, it also means the Yankees are now out of the Freeman sweepstakes.
Freeman, a former National League MVP who's fresh off leading the Braves to a World Series title, is the top free-agent first baseman on the market. He has been linked to the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Rays.
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