Report: Astros targeting Rizzo in free agency

The Houston Astros are interested in signing Anthony Rizzo away from the New York Yankees, and he's the club's No. 1 free-agent target at first base, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Signing the three-time All-Star would fill a hole at the position and weaken the Yankees, notes Rosenthal.

The Astros are also reportedly exploring the possibility of adding Jose Abreu or re-signing Yuli Gurriel.

Rizzo, who has been given a one-year, $19.65-million qualifying offer from New York, went deep 32 times with 75 RBIs and an .817 OPS over 130 games during his age-32 campaign in 2022.

Houston would lose its second-highest draft pick and have its international signing bonus pool reduced by $500,000 if Rizzo signs with the team.

The Astros swept the Yankees in the American League Championship Series en route to winning the 2022 World Series. The clubs have faced each other three times in the ALCS since 2017, and Houston has won every time.