The New York Yankees are focused on re-signing outfielder Juan Soto to a major contract, but general manager Brian Cashman also needs to address the first base position after declining Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 club option.
Could Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz be a potential solution? First base was a weak spot for the Yankees in 2024, with five players combining for a -1.1 WAR at the position, according to FanGraphs, outpacing only the Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, and Cincinnati Reds in underperformance.
Díaz’s 2024 numbers took a small dip compared to his Silver Slugger-winning 2023 season, but his .281/.341/.414 slash with 14 home runs and 65 RBIs over 621 plate appearances would still represent a significant upgrade for New York. While trading within the American League East could be tricky, it’s feasible if the price is right.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden suggests the Yankees could offer two prospects, including speedy center fielder Brando Mayea and right-handed pitcher Zach Messinger, who has the potential to develop into a back-end starter.
Díaz, who is entering the final guaranteed year of a three-year, $24 million deal, would offer the Yankees an affordable long-term solution at first base, earning $10 million in 2025 with a $12 million club option for 2026.
