Yankees' Anthony Rizzo decision might hint at willingness to make real changes

The New York Yankees crashed out of the postseason by getting embarrassed in the World Series, and it's really upsetting that Anthony Rizzo became a maligned figure due to his overall defensive gaffes and questionable decision in Game 5 that ultimately led to a five-run Dodgers comeback.

After that, fans were officially fed up. Looking at this $17 million team option for 2025, it would've been a universally hated decision if the Yankees picked that up and decided to run it all back after what clearly didn't work in 2024.

Well, New York made the first move toward making that a reality on Saturday, when they declined Rizzo's option and decided to pay him a $6 million buyout as opposed to the full 2025 salary.

What does this mean? Well, we don't know right now, but there are three ways the front office could go about it. And we must admit there is an option people aren't going to like.

And that would be Aaron Judge exercising influence here by figuring a way to get Rizzo back in the fold for under his $17 million salary. Perhaps a one-year, $6 million contract, which would essentially be $12 million for 2025? We vote no, but we can't ignore that it's a potential reality.

Yankees might hint at willingness to make changes after Anthony Rizzo decision

Then there's the trade market. MLBTradeRumors.com recently listed all of Yandy Diaz, Josh Naylor and Ryan Mountcastle as candidates to be moved this offseason. Every single one of those options would be superior offensive and defensive presences over Rizzo at this point in his career.

Not to mention, they'd be cheaper, too! Even Naylor's projected $15 million salary for 2025 feels a lot more appealing than what Rizzo would've been making. Remember, though, this is something that the fans would prefer, so we must tread lightly since the Yankees often try to ignore outside influence and make decisions that are deliberately different.

There's the internal approach as well. Do they want to roll with Ben Rice? Will they go with a nightmare platoon of DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera? The price needs to be right for first base, so if they're not viewing the trade market prices favorable, they'll more than likely bypass the pricey free agents (Pete Alonso and Christian Walker) and settle on something underwhelming.

And we have to say ... that's probably better than forcing Rizzo back into the picture given his injury woes and struggles the last two years. It just hasn't worked out. Time to move on. No hard feelings, it's just what needs to happen if the Yankees are serious about improving their 2025 outlook.