Since the New York Yankees chose not to pick up their team option on veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo for 2025, they have been actively exploring options to fill the position without sacrificing offensive output, potentially while also reducing costs. Rizzo would have earned $17 million next season had the Yankees retained him.
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Yankees are reportedly “considering” a trade that would bring in a new first baseman for $14.2 million next year. This player would represent a significant offensive improvement compared to Rizzo’s underwhelming 2024 performance.
However, if they proceed with this rumored deal, the Yankees would likely need to negotiate a long-term extension for the new player, potentially worth around $100 million over five years.
Yankees’ Interest in Josh Naylor
The player they are reportedly targeting is 27-year-old Josh Naylor, a left-handed slugger with the Cleveland Guardians.
Heyman did not speculate on the trade package that would be sent to Cleveland—whom the Yankees defeated in the 2024 ALCS—but one rumored proposal includes sending Will Warren, the Yankees’ fifth-ranked prospect, in return. Warren debuted with the Yankees in 2024 but struggled, posting a 10.32 ERA in 22 innings over five starts and one relief appearance.
Naylor has just one year remaining on his contract, which could make him a cheaper acquisition if the Yankees only intend to rent him for 2025 without negotiating an extension.
Comparing Naylor to Rizzo
Statistically, Naylor would represent a significant offensive upgrade over Rizzo based on 2024 performance. Naylor posted a 1.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), compared to Rizzo’s 0.2 WAR. Additionally, Naylor had an OPS+ of 118, while Rizzo’s was 81.
OPS+ measures a player’s on-base and slugging performance compared to league averages, with numbers over 100 indicating above-average performance.
Naylor also adds more versatility with his athleticism—he stole six bases in 2024 alone (Rizzo did not record a steal all season), with a total of 25 stolen bases over his six-year career. He also slugged 31 home runs in 2024 compared to just eight for Rizzo.
Other Considerations
While Cody Bellinger remains the Yankees’ top target for first base, Heyman notes that the trade talks with the Cubs are currently stalled due to a significant gap in what the two teams expect in return.
If the Yankees land Naylor, he would offer an upgrade on both offense and versatility while being far more affordable than the $17 million Rizzo would have cost in 2025.
