The Minnesota Twins face a significant gap at first base after Carlos Santana returned to Cleveland. Could the team turn to a three-time All-Star to fill the void?
Andrew Heckroth of Fansided has suggested that the Twins should target Anthony Rizzo as a potential signing this winter. The 35-year-old, who spent the past four seasons with the New York Yankees, would bring valuable championship experience, having won the World Series with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and the American League pennant with the Yankees last season. While Rizzo’s best offensive years may be behind him, as injuries and age have impacted his performance, he remains a solid defensive player. After hitting 32 homers in 2022, his numbers dropped significantly in 2024, with only eight home runs. Over his 370 games with the Yankees, his batting average has also slipped to .234.
Despite the decline in offense, Rizzo is still highly regarded for his defensive ability, having earned four Gold Gloves during his 14-year career. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli values defense from his first baseman, as evidenced by Santana’s Gold Glove win with the team last season.
Known for his leadership, Rizzo could provide valuable experience to a team in transition like the Twins, even if his days of hitting 30 home runs are behind him. Heckroth notes, “Signing a veteran like Rizzo makes sense as both a leader in the clubhouse and a short-term solution,” adding that Rizzo remains a disciplined hitter, ranking in the 80th percentile in whiff percentage and 74th percentile in strikeout rate, according to Statcast.
With Spotrac projecting Rizzo’s market value at around $2 million for a one-year contract, the Twins could comfortably afford him, especially as they manage their budget amid the ongoing sale of the team.