The Houston Astros are coming off a magical postseason run that saw them defeat the Philadelphia Phillies to secure their second World Series Championship in the past six seasons. It appears that they have some big aspirations in the offseason to bolster their lineup next year involving New York Yankees star Anthony Rizzo — the team they defeated in the American League Championship Series.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Astros view Rizzo as their No. 1 free agency target at their first base position.
They also reportedly have interest in Chicago White Sox veteran José Abreu along with current first baseman Yuli Gurriel, but view Rizzo as a great option that would also drastically weaken the Yankees upon his potential departure.
Rizzo is coming off a season in New York that featured the three-time All-Star hitting 32 home runs, tying his career-high.
While his power surged in New York, his batting average subsequently dropped off significantly this past season.
It would definitely be an intriguing addition for Houston this offseason, and the MLB world took to social media to voice their opinions on this report.
I do not like the idea of Anthony Rizzo, Houston Astro, at all. The Yankees need to bring him back.
— Randy Wilkins (@pamsson) November 15, 2022
This would be quite something huh?#LevelUp | #RepBX https://t.co/mSHgUfX18Q
— Robert Flores (@RoFlo) November 15, 2022
Like if George Bailey really did go to work for Mr. Potter. https://t.co/GtedIKZ1zJ
— James Pethokoukis (@JimPethokoukis) November 15, 2022
Rizzo to the Astros would really render 2023 pretty pointless. Just a full kick to the pantaloons.
— Yanks Go Yard (@YanksGoYardFS) November 15, 2022
From Rosenthal on Rizzo
Yeah this can’t happen pic.twitter.com/NPKHzZKqaZ
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) November 15, 2022
Adding a player of Rizzo’s quality to an already dangerous offense would certainly make Houston a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming 2023 season.
The Yankees will obviously do their best to avoid losing Anthony Rizzo, but they may also have their hands full this offseason keeping star outfielder Aaron Judge, who has been rumored to be interested in signing with the San Francisco Giants this offseason.
[The Athletic]