After a slow first several days of MLB free agency, two big names just came off the board.
First, the New York Yankees are re-signing Anthony Rizzo to a multi-year contract.
Under the deal, the first baseman is getting two years with $40 million guaranteed.
There is also a $6 million buyout and a $17 million club option.
Just last week, Rizzo opted out of his two-year $32 million deal.
The 33-year-old is coming off a season where he hit .224/.338/.480 (batting average, on-base and slugging).
He also posted 32 home runs.
Another big signing today was made by the Los Angeles Angels, who are bringing in starting pitcher Tyler Anderson.
The deal is reportedly for three years in the $39 million range.
The southpaw is coming off a breakout season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he commanded a 2.57 earned run against average (ERA).
However, in his MLB career, his ERA is only 4.16.
In other baseball news, Texas Rangers starter Martín Pérez accepted his qualifying offer and will return to the team next season.
The 31-year-old posted a 2.89 ERA last year with 169 strikeouts.
But most importantly for the Yankees – Rizzo is taken care of – meaning it could return its full attention towards bringing back star outfielder Aaron Judge now.
The 30-year-old is coming off a historic season, where he hit 62 home runs, which is the most ever by an American League player.
And owner Hal Steinbrenner indicated that the Yankees will not be outbid for Judge.
“We have plenty of ability to make (your contract) happen and still have money to make other things happen too,” he said today, citing a conversation he had with Judge recently.
But it’s unclear if Judge will opt to play elsewhere anyways.
The Athletic is projecting an eight-year $320 million contract for Judge.
