Chicago Cubs: 3 landing spots for Anthony Rizzo
By David Hill
Even though Anthony Rizzo ended the 2021 season as a member of the New York Yankees, it is difficult to picture him in that uniform. That is because Rizzo spent nearly a decade with the Chicago Cubs, winning a World Series with the organization in 2016 as he became a star.
Despite his place in franchise history, Rizzo was sent to the Yankees at the trade deadline as the Cubs unloaded their core. As he entered free agency at the end of the year, and the Cubs were unable to agree to terms on an extension, a trade just made sense.
Three landing spots for former Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo
Even with Freddie Freeman still being available, and Matt Olson potentially being on the trade block, Rizzo is going to have a robust market. He produced a solid .248/.344/.440 batting line in his 576 plate appearances, hitting 22 homers and 23 doubles. Even if he is the second or third option of teams looking for a first baseman, he will have plenty of offers once the lockout ends.
Where will former Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo end up in free agency? Let’s take a look at three possible destinations.
New York Yankees
Anthony Rizzo was not quite what the New York Yankees had hoped for when they acquired him from the Chicago Cubs. But that does not mean a reunion will not happen.
Rizzo, for his part, enjoyed his time in New York. He spoke glowingly about being able to walk in Central Park with his dog and his experience in the city. In fact, the way he spoke made it seem inevitable that he returns to the Yankees when the lockout ends.
But that may not be as inevitable as it seemed. The Yankees are also rumored to make a strong run at Freddie Freeman once the lockout comes to an end. Freeman would make a greater impact upon the lineup and would actually show that the Yankees are committed to improving the roster.
At the same time, Freeman is going to be much more expensive, and for good reason. He is still in his prime and won the NL MVP in 2020. Rizzo, while solid, has not been an All Star since 2016. As the Yankees have been looking to save money in recent years, and have plenty of holes on the roster, Rizzo may be the more cost effective option.
The New York Yankees want a bat that can transform the lineup. Anthony Rizzo could be an option.