The Yankees are facing a huge offseason where their franchise player, Aaron Judge, is set to test the market and demand a massive payday. While this cannot be the only concern for the Yankees, they went out and re-signed first baseman Anthony Rizzo.

On Tuesday, the club announced they had signed the 33 year-old Rizzo to a two-year deal with a club option for a third year. Rizzo it set to make $34 million in the next two seasons with a $6 million buyout. The 2025 club option is also set to be $17 million, meaning he could make up to $51 million during this contract.

Rizzo was acquired from the Chicago Cubs during the 2021 trade deadline and has been a vital part of the Yankees’ success since. This past season, Rizzo tied his career-high with 32 homers, to go with 75 RBIS, and an .817 OPS. He has been a fan-favorite since his arrival in the Bronx and should remain a key part of the Yankees for at least the next two seasons.

Just days before he was re-signed, there was reports that he was the Houston Astros’ number one free agent target, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. This would have been a huge loss for the Yankees losing a key part of their team to a new rival that has beaten them in the ALCS three out of the past six seasons. Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as Rizzo ultimately chose to return to the Bronx.

The Yankees free agency focus now turns back to Judge, who Rizzo said “stays for the sake of the game” during his press conference in Wednesday. Yankees GM Cashman has prioritized re-signing both Judge and Rizzo this offseason, and is currently halfway there.