Cubs Den

Trade Updates: Rizzo to Yankees; Tepera to White Sox

The Captain headed to Bronx Bombers

It is a dark day and the end of an era. Sure, the Cubs had already traded a couple of minor pieces as part of their anticipated sell off, but it didn’t really feel real, not until now.

Source confirms: Anthony Rizzo headed to Yankees. First: @JackCurryYES.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal)

July 29, 2021

I haven’t had much of a chance to go over the return the Cubs received in exchange. Both prospects rated in the top 12 of the Yankees system and appear to have a high upside. RHP Alexander Vizaíno has only just gotten on the mound recently this season, and 18-year old outfielder Kevin Alcantara hasn’t played outside the complex level. I’ll update as I gather more.

Alexander Vizcaino: Big fastball, best changeup in the system. Still trying to find the consistency on a breaking ball.

Kevin Alcantara: A lot of tools in a high-upside player in a big frame. Yanks were intrigued by the quality of his contact. Needs to sharpen plate discipline.

— Josh Norris (@jnorris427)

July 29, 2021

Cubs Ship Tepera across town

The Cubs could not have asked for more out of their somewhat unexpected three-headed bullpen monster featuring Craig Kimbrel, Andrew Chafin and Ryan Tepera.

Kimbrel finished last season pitching as well as he ever has in his career, and then carried that momentum into this year, where he has somehow been even better. A trade deadline acquisition last season, veteran Andrew Chafin barely got to show Cubs fans what he offered as he was on the IL when that trade went down and only pitched a few games late in the year. He was healthy and ready to go this spring after re-signing with the club, and he too found a new level of success this season.

It was a bit more of a surprise to see Ryan Tepera become just as dominant this season. Sure, he’s always flashed very good stuff, but injuries and control issues have tended to hold him back. From day one of this season however, he was light’s out for the Cubs.

And now, he follows Chafin out the door. His trip will not be as arduous. While Chafin was shipped to the West Coast, Tepera is only being sent to the Southside.

In exchange, the Cubs received former 5th round pick LHP Bailey Horn.

Good arm speed. Easily sits around 94, touches 97. Lost a bit of velo entering 5th inning. Struggles to locate, but when he’s in sync gets good ride both up and down in zone. Would expect him to throw 95-98 in relief.

— Michael Ernst (@mj_ernst)

July 29, 2021

Threw a lot of curves, to varying degrees of success. Seems like a pitch he is actively working on. Mechanics varied the most on this offering. Arm speed lagged at times. Arm dragged others. But he also snapped off some solid ones. Cubs have had success helping unlock curveballs.

— Michael Ernst (@mj_ernst)

July 29, 2021