Don't be stunned if Yankees pick up Anthony Rizzo's expensive 2025 option

Though Yankees fans weren't furious when Anthony Rizzo returned to the Bronx after the 2022 season ended, it was clear that they were being asked to accept a Freddie Freeman consolation prize (he joined the Dodgers, where he's continued to look like the game's gold standard at first base).

If Rizzo becomes an expensive Juan Soto consolation prize this offseason? Then, you'll really see the fandom's fury.

Rizzo's two-year contract ends at the conclusion of the season, but he still carries a club option for the 2025 campaign. It's worth $17 million against the luxury tax, and has -- let's face it -- often been taken for granted in all speculation about how the Yankees could make a Soto deal work. "$17 million off the board there, now let's really get to work."

But ... perhaps not so fast. When asked about the option during his most recent rehab assignment, Rizzo made his case for preferring to stay in the Bronx, emphasizing that he plans on using the stretch run as an audition to prove he can still "be himself."

Yankees, Anthony Rizzo relationship may not end after 2024 season

Might he be open to a one-year reunion at a different cost, manning the first base position in 2025 at a reduced rate to help fit Soto into the picture (if things go well down the stretch)? He'd seem to be a prime candidate for such a contract, as long as he can rehabilitate his triple slash in the month of September and beyond. As Chris Kirschner noted on Thursday, Rizzo's below-average 80 wRC+ and standing as the 20th-ranked first baseman in OAA would be deleterious for any club ... except the Yankees, who've been 17% worse offensively without him. Yikes. In order for the team to seriously consider a return, he'll need to dramatically improve. But even the worst version of himself should improve the roster's current situation.

Rizzo's relationship with Aaron Judge -- sorry! -- also cannot be ignored. The two are undeniably close, attending the US Open tennis tournament in tandem with their wives on Thursday night. Fellow Yankees Anthony Volpe, Giancarlo Stanton, and Austin Wells also attended in a separate group.

Judge needs Rizzo to perform in September and, hopefully, October. There was certainly an element of gamesmanship and leadership involved in this particular night out. But if Rizzo performs adequately over the next two months, expect GM Judge to stump for him in some capacity. Hopefully, the argument goes over better than whatever influenced the Yankees to bring Alex Verdugo in last December.

Gleyber Torres, Clay Holmes, and Verdugo? They're all gone next season. That's money off the books. Rizzo? He may not come back at his current cost, but don't close the door on a reunion (though allowing him to get in the way of a top-tier Soto bid would represent generational foolishness).