Anthony Rizzo, the first baseman for the New York Yankees, seems to have fully recovered from a concussion that plagued him during the 2023 season. His performance at the plate in the early stages of Spring Training is impressive, with Shanti Sepe-Chepuru of MLB.com highlighting him as one of the top 10 standout performers. Sepe-Chepuru noted Rizzo’s resurgence, mentioning that he’s hitting .467 this spring after facing challenges with vision during the latter part of the 2023 season.
Rizzo’s batting average in Spring Training is notably higher than the average for top-tier players, and his overall offensive production reflects this. He has already hit two home runs and two doubles, showcasing his power and consistency at the plate. As a seasoned hitter, the 34-year-old infielder is reminiscent of his form during the 2022 season when he belted 32 home runs.
As Alexander Wilson pointed out in December, “Before the injury, Rizzo posted an impressive .305/.378/.513 slash line with a 149 wRC+ and 11 home runs.”
The Yankees will heavily rely on Rizzo’s production in the 2024 season, hoping he can replicate his performance before the injury, particularly when batting in the cleanup spot. With DJ LeMahieu, Juan Soto, and Aaron Judge consistently reaching base, Rizzo’s ability to drive the ball into the outfield can lead to numerous RBIs and extend innings for the Yankees.
