Before the Yankees settled on signing Anthony Rizzo to a two-year, $32 million deal this past winter, general manager Brian Cashman tried reeling in bigger options. Freddie Freeman was the most prominent one that didn’t pan out. While having him in the middle of New York’s lineup would’ve been ideal, Rizzo has proven to be quite valuable.
The left-handed hitter got a taste of playing in the Bronx last season when the Yankees acquired him at the trade deadline. So, it’s not like this is unfamiliar territory for the 2016 World Series champion.