Anthony Rizzo has been disappointing for the New York Yankees this season. With a team that has World Series aspirations, the Yankees will be looking to upgrade that position. There are options, both internally and externally, that might be available. Below are five players who could become the Yankees’ next first baseman.
The Yankees haven’t gotten the production they’ve hoped for from Rizzo this season. The team will look to upgrade the position, and one of the five options listed below could be who they target.
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Ben Rice – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
Ben Rice is both a catcher and first baseman. He’s currently playing his way through the minors. He’s ranked as the Yankees’ twelfth prospect on MLB Pipeline. Rice has been fantastic this season, recently earning a call-up from AA to AAA. In only three games at the AAA level, he already has three home runs and is hitting .636.
The Yankees wouldn’t have to lose any assets with Rice, which is immensely appealing. If the organization has an in-house option to upgrade its first base position, it can spend its assets on other positions. With how Rice is playing, the Yankees may have to call him up sooner rather than later.
Pete Alonso – New York Mets
Pete Alonso has established himself as a good first baseman and power hitter in the major league. He is also, however, on an expiring contract on a disappointing Mets team. That makes him a clear trade candidate. While it might take some convincing to get the Mets to trade with their cross-town rivals, Alonso would add a solid power bat to the clean-up spot behind Judge. Executing a trade might take a couple of good prospects.
DJ LeMahieu – New York Yankees
Another in-house option. LeMahieu has been primarily playing third base this season. However, he has experience at first base. If the Yankees find it easier to acquire a third baseman, they could move LeMahieu to their full-time first base position. LeMahieu hasn’t been the same player he used to be, but the Yankees will be hoping he bounces back, especially since he’s making $15 million per year.
Josh Bell – Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins are expected to have a fire sale this summer. Bell has been a solid player this season. And, as a switch hitter, he provides a good batter to the lineup. As an expiring contract, he doesn’t require a huge commitment from the team. It likely wouldn’t cost any premium prospects to add Bell, making this an appealing option.
Christian Walker – Arizona Diamondbacks
After making a World Series appearance last season, the Diamondbacks sit under .500. The team could look to ship off some players who won’t be part of their future. One name is Christian Walker. Walker’s having a strong season and, if available, will be sought after by several teams. The Yankees would have to give up something decent to pry him away, but adding another strong bat to the lineup may be worth it.
