As the 2024 season began, the New York Yankees had little reason to expect such dismal production from their first basemen. Unfortunately, this position has been one of the team’s biggest weaknesses throughout the season.
Veteran Anthony Rizzo, who had been a reliable part of the Yankees lineup before a concussion in May 2023, has struggled since his return. This season, his performance took a severe hit, with a batting line of .223/.289/.341 and an OPS+ of just 76 before he suffered a fractured arm in June.
However, there is some optimism that Rizzo might soon turn things around. He recently began a rehab assignment with the Double-A Somerset Patriots and is expected to rejoin the Yankees soon. Despite this, uncertainty remains about who will be the Yankees’ starting first baseman as they approach the postseason.
The Yankees lineup has been heavily reliant on Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, with inconsistent contributions from other players like Anthony Volpe and Alex Verdugo. However, the lack of production at first base has been particularly glaring. Statistically, the Yankees rank near the bottom in the MLB for first base production, with only the Houston Astros faring worse. DJ LeMahieu, once a formidable hitter, has been one of the worst in the league this season, while rookie Ben Rice has struggled after a promising start. Given these struggles, the Yankees face a significant challenge in addressing this issue before the playoffs.
For the Yankees, the hope now rests on Rizzo finding his form again. The veteran slugger, who has hit 303 home runs in his career, could be the key to resolving their first base woes. However, his recent injuries and declining performance suggest that his time with the Yankees may be nearing an end, especially with the team’s option for his 2025 contract likely to be declined.
As the season winds down, Rizzo’s performance in his rehab assignment offers a glimmer of hope. His recent home run in Somerset indicates that he might still have something left in the tank. With the postseason approaching, the Yankees will need Rizzo to contribute if they are to overcome the significant challenges they face at first base.
