Cubs trading Anthony Rizzo is end of an era for Cubs as Yankees go all-in for playoff push
The Chicago Cubs traded first baseman Anthony Rizzo to the New York Yankees.
Anthony Rizzo is now a member of the New York Yankees.
The Chicago Cubs traded their former All-Star first baseman to the Yankees on the eve of the MLB trade deadline.
Cubs manager David Ross held Rizzo and Kris Bryant out of Thursday’s lineup as trade rumors swirled that a deal was imminent for the two cornerstones of the franchise.
Jack Curry was the first to report the deal between the Cubs and Yankees for Rizzo.
The Yankees are moving closer to acquiring Anthony Rizzo from the Cubs. #yankees
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) July 29, 2021
The Cubs will pick up the remainder of Rizzo’s $6 million owed the rest of the year, which is what paved the way for them to get a decent package in return. Curry reports, the Cubs will receive outfielder Kevin Alcantara and pitcher Alexander Vizcaino.
The Yankees are trading Alcantara and Vizcaino for Rizzo. The Cubs are picking up all of Rizzo’s remaining salary.
— JackCurryYES (@JackCurryYES) July 29, 2021
What are the Cubs getting in Kevin Alcantara and Alexander Vizcaino?
Alcantara, 19, is a 6-foot-6, 188-pound right-handed-hitting and throwing outfielder. He ranked as the No. 12 prospect in the Yankees organization. The Dominican product is in rookie ball and expected to make an MLB debut around 2023. He’s been compared to former Cub Dexter Fowler.
Vizcaino, 24, is a 6-foot-2 right-handed starter with a good fastball that sits at 94-98 MPH and offers a plus changeup. He is the No. 10 prospect in the Yankees farm system. Scouts think he’ll need to develop his slider to develop into a mid-rotation MLB starter or he could be a fixture in the bullpen. He’s pitching at high-A this year but could make the 2022 roster.
Cubs fans and media react to Anthony Rizzo trade news
Wow. They really did it. The house cleaning has begun. Rizzo to the Yankees. Hearing Bryant and Kimbrel are next.
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) July 29, 2021
son of a https://t.co/OiS7EzuUgb
— Bleacher Nation (@BleacherNation) July 29, 2021
He was the one that started it all.
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) July 29, 2021
He stood up to the #Reds when we sucked.
He bounced back from being sent down to the minors w/ the Padres.
He survived Dale Sveum.
He battled cancer with many.
And then he became a #Cubs legend.
Thank you @ARizzo44. pic.twitter.com/PxcksNMhzG
The cornerstone roster piece that started the whole championship window is gone as Yankees load up on lefties at deadline with that short porch in right. #Gallo #Cubs https://t.co/gH0Hrpg3xw
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) July 29, 2021
Unsurprisingly, hearing high upside with high risk on the Cubs return for Anthony Rizzo. Vizcaíno reliever profile, good data on FB, change took a step up, questions on command. Alcantara tooled up COF, has big power but needs to improve in-zone contact
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) July 29, 2021
Rather wild to see Rangers and Cubs subsidizing the uber-wealthy Yankees by covering salaries of players in trades. But that is the state of the trade market in 2021. Yankees trying to stay under luxury-tax threshold. Other teams willing to include cash to get better prospects.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 29, 2021
Anthony Rizzo joins Joey Gallo as Yankees make splash at MLB trade deadline
Rizzo is the second blockbuster trade the Yankees have made in as many days. This follows the acquisition of Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo on Wednesday. With two big additions to the lineup, the Yankees have shored up their lineup and provided protection in case of injury or their current sluggers experience a prolonged slump.
The addition of Rizzo could also signal Luke Voit is moved before the deadline if the price is right.
The Yankees still need to add some bullpen help and have been rumored to be interested in Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story, so the Yankees aren’t done making moves yet, whether they’re in or out on Story.
It’s been a disappointing first four months of the season for Aaron Boone’s club that has had injuries, disappointing years from stars and questions Boone’s job security. The trade for Rizzo and Gallo makes it clear the Yankees are hell-bent on making the postseason at any cost.
The Yankees are nine games back of the Boston Red Sox for first place in the AL East and three games back of a Wild Card spot.