5 Yankees Who Will Make or Break the 2024 Season

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Aug 29, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Gleyber Torres (25) celebrates / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Yankees were off to a great start thanks in a major part to Anthony Rizzo's success batting at home. The lefty first baseman has found success in putting balls into the short porch in his short time in New York. The Yankees' collapse last season can be directly correlated with Rizzo's injury as the team couldn't survive absences of both Aaron Judge and Rizzo.

Before the concussion Rizzo was batting .303/.385/.916 with 11 home runs. After, he hit just .197/.279/.540 with 2 home runs.

If Rizzo can return to form he'll likely hit right behind Judge and Soto and could be a much-needed power source in the middle of the lineup. If Rizzo can play at a consistent level in 2024 it'll be a massive help to Judge and Soto as teams won't be able to pitch around either of the stars in fear of Rizzo.

Rizzo is a key cog in the infield as the team will likely carry more outfielders than they have in recent years. A loss of Rizzo due to injury would relegate DJ LeMahieu to first base, thus creating a hole at third base.

The team will need Rizzo in the lineup as he's one of the better defensive first basemen in the league as well as a premier talent at the plate.

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