Yankees three-time All-Star surprisingly predicted to sign with AL East rival Rays | Sporting News

The Tampa Bay Rays aren't known for spending big in free agency, but if there's anything they love, it's sticking it to the New York Yankees.

The 2024 season was a rough one for Tampa Bay, which missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Not only that, but the Yankees won the American League pennant for the first time since 2009, flipping the power dynamic of the division back in New York's direction.

It's not as though the Rays can land a Juan Soto, or even another Yankees free-agent target like Max Fried or Christian Walker.

But it would be a perfect Rays move to pick up a castoff from the Yankees' roster and rejuvenate them to help spark a playoff run.

Fortunately, the Yankees are preparing to part ways with three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo, who had a disastrous, injury-shortened 2024 season.

Likely seeking a one-year deal, Rizzo just has to prove at this point that he still belongs as a full-time big-league starter.

Andrew Tredinnick of NorthJersey.com predicted that Rizzo would sign with the Rays, providing a left-handed bat and some much-needed veteran leadership.

"A chance for Rizzo to return to his home state, mentor a young roster and fill in as needed," Tredinnick said.

Rizzo, 35, hasn't been an All-Star since 2016, so no one is pretending his best days are still ahead of him.

However, he was excellent in 2022, posting a 130 OPS+, and had a great start to the 2023 season as well before a concussion derailed his entire year.

If Rizzo can find some semblance of his old self, Tampa Bay would love to have him on their side.

Especially, that is, if he can help them take down the Bronx Bombers in typical underdog Rays fashion.

More MLB: Yankees two-time All-Star predicted to leave the Bronx for $45 million Giants deal.

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