Inside The Pinstripes

MLB Insider Names Two NL Teams That Could Sign Anthony Rizzo in Free Agency

Rizzo, who was due $16 million for the 2023 season, is a free agent after opting out of the final year of his contract with the Yankees.

Max Goodman

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After opting out of his contract with the Yankees, Anthony Rizzo is a free agent. 

As much as New York is eager to bring their first baseman and clubhouse leader back for 2023 and beyond, Rizzo can now listen to other teams, possibly landing with a new club this winter.

One MLB insider listed two National League squads as possible destinations for Rizzo, if he chooses to depart on the open market.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network listed the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants as teams that could be in the mix for Rizzo, calling the sweet-swinging lefty "one of the most valuable bats" in free agency.

"Having now the universal DH across Major League Baseball will give National League teams some flexibility," Morosi said on MLB Network this week. "Even if they already have a first baseman in place, to maybe move that first baseman to a DH role and have Anthony come in as your first baseman. I’ve always wondered about the possibility of Anthony going to his native south-Florida and playing for the Marlins ... I think Anthony would be a tremendous fit for the Giants, the team we’re going to see be very aggressive with free agency overall with Aaron Judge, too. But Rizzo out there to the West Coast, I would love that fit."

Morosi added that Rizzo was one of the most important bats for the Yankees in 2022, providing balance and versatility while serving as a great teammate behind the scenes. 

Rizzo, 33, hit 32 home runs this past season, tying his career-high. He slashed .224/.338/.480 over 130 games, missing some time with a nagging issue in his back over the summer. He was nominated for a Gold Glove Award at first base.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman reiterated on Tuesday at the GM meetings—per Chris Kirschner of The Athletic—that he wants to retain Rizzo this winter. Like superstar right fielder Aaron Judge, however, New York will need to compete with other teams if they want to keep Rizzo in pinstripes. 

Other insiders have chimed in on the Rizzo sweepstakes recently as well. 

Jim Bowden, a former GM who writes for The Athletic, named the Padres as a possible landing spot for Rizzo.

"A return to the Yankees is likely, but he’d also fit nicely with the Padres, who have three first basemen (Josh Bell, Wil Myers, Brandon Drury) who will be free agents," Bowden said.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post listed the Yankees, Giants and Texas Rangers as possible suitors for the first baseman.

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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