In recent games, the Yankees’ offense has faltered, with star slugger Aaron Judge failing to deliver and first baseman Anthony Rizzo enduring a concerning downturn in performance. Rizzo’s difficulties have amplified the team’s offensive woes, raising concerns about his future in the lineup.
Coming off a season disrupted by concussion symptoms, Rizzo has struggled to regain his previous form in 2024. His batting average has plummeted to .224, and his slugging percentage has dropped to .480. These numbers place him in the bottom percentiles for various offensive categories.
Rizzo’s ability to handle fastballs has declined significantly, with his batting average against them slipping to .188. This suggests a regression in pitch recognition and reaction time, potentially due to lingering effects from his previous concussion.
Despite Rizzo’s struggles, the Yankees are likely to give him time to recover his form, considering his experience and past contributions. However, the team faces a difficult decision regarding his future. Promising prospect Ben Rice is excelling in the minor leagues and could potentially take over Rizzo’s starting role by the end of the season or in 2025.
Rizzo’s defensive performance has also been a concern, with a run value of -1 and a career-low 66% success rate. The Yankees cannot afford sustained inefficiency in the heart of their lineup. If Rizzo fails to improve, the team will need to explore other options, including exercising his club option for the 2025 season or potentially allocating his $17 million salary elsewhere.
