Anthony Rizzo opted out of his two-year contract that he signed with the Yankees last offseason, and now, Jon Heyman reports that the Yanks have extended the $19.65 million qualifying offer to the sure-handed first baseman.
Rizzo emerged as one of the Yankees’ top sluggers in 2022 outside of Aaron Judge, hitting 32 home runs with an .817 OPS in 130 games. He also was a major catalysts in the Yanks turning their infield defense around drastically in the past year.
The qualifying offer is more than the $16 million Rizzo would have made in 2023 had he opted into the final year of his contract, but he can still decline the qualifying offer and become a free agent.
The Athletic projects Rizzo to sign a two-year, $36 million deal in free agency.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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