For 10 seasons, Anthony Rizzo has been the heart and soul of the Chicago Cubs. After three All Star Game appearances, four Gold Glove awards and a World Series title, Rizzo’s time in Chicago is now over.
On the last year of his contract, Rizzo was a definitive trade candidate. Indeed, the Cubs found a suitor and dealt Rizzo to the New York Yankees.
It is the end of an era in Chicago, as Rizzo leaves the Cubs to put on the pinstripes. His energy, smiling personality, humor and, of course, stellar play will be missed dearly.
Although it is a painful pill to swallow, the Cubs dealing Rizzo was inevitable. They had turned into surefire sellers a few weeks ago as the downward spiral began. At one point, many believed the return for Rizzo would be next to nothing. His 2021 season wasn’t too spectacular and it was clear he is not the same guy he once was.
Somehow, the Chicago Cubs were able to land two top Yankees prospects for Anthony Rizzo.
Not only did the Cubs find a suitor for Rizzo, but the Yankees had to bid higher than other interested ball clubs — and they did.
In exchange for Rizzo, the Cubs received the Yankees no. 9 and no. 12 overall prospects, according to the MLB’s Prospect Rankings.
Outfielder Kevin Alcantara now becomes the Cubs’ no. 9 ranked prospect after being traded. The 6-foot-6 outfielder should be due up in 2023.
Alcantara has a strong arm and plus instincts. He possesses above average strength at the plate and a quick bat. Through eight games in 2021, Alcantara was slashing .360/.448/.520.
Right-hander Alexander Vizcaino, meanwhile, becomes the Cubs’ no. 6 overall prospect now. Vizcaino’s strengths lie in his fastball and changeup. He could end up being a mid-rotation type of starter or a late-inning reliever, per his MLB scouting report.
Vizcaino is 22 years old and could be brought up to the Majors next year, while Alcantara is still just 19.
The fact that the Cubs were able to get two of the Yankees’ top 12 prospects in this deal is a thing of wonder. A lot of mock-up trades were projecting the Cubs would get far lower-ranked prospects in a deal for Rizzo, yet New York sent them two of their best.
The most interesting part about it all is that the Yankees will have plenty of work ahead if they are to contend this year, so giving up two significant prospects for a player on the decline is pretty shocking.
Now, Rizzo could turn around and prove that he’s got plenty left in him, which Cubs fans would have to be proud of. However, the fact is, he is hitting free agency after the season. No matter what, the Yankees overpaid.
