3 biggest Yankees winners and 3 biggest losers at the Memorial Day checkpoint

Yankees Winner: Co-Captain Anthony Rizzo

When the Yankees swiftly brought back Anthony Rizzo this offseason, it seemed like an early salvo in the Judge sweepstakes. Why wouldn't the hulking slugger reconsider the Yankees after they made an immediate dedication to his running mate?

While it seems likely Judge would've ultimately taken Hal Steinbrenner's package anyway, having Rizzo back for 2023 and 2024 (and possibly 2025, if the Yankees pick up his team option) was a nice bonus for No. 99, who now maintains his co-captain in the locker room.

And oh, by the way, Rizzo still rakes.

Whether the shift ban has changed things materially or raised his confidence is a subjective debate for another day. The bottom line is, he's managed to stay on his feet (when Fernando Tatis Jr. isn't barreling down on him) and has returned to his glory days offensively. Rizzo has punished the porch, and his Statcast metrics back up his .881 OPS. Despite what feel like defensive lapses, on occasion, he's still in the 85th percentile in Outs Above Average.

Just got to get that sprint speed up and we'll really be in business.

Whether the Yankees decide to pursue Japanese import Munetaka Murakami (or are seriously considered by the slugger) after 2024 is anyone's guess. For now, Rizzo is a perfect running mate for Judge, and the pairing is paying dividends.