Cubs absolutely fleeced the Yankees in Anthony Rizzo trade

In the long run, the Chicago Cubs will win the Anthony Rizzo trade with the New York Yankees.

The MLB Trade Deadline has not been fun for Cubs fans.

As big of a gut punch as it was for the Chicago Cubs fanbase, the team got two excellent prospects in the New York Yankees deal involving former franchise cornerstone first baseman Anthony Rizzo.

Despite Rizzo being on an expiring contract, the Cubs were able to get a pair of high-end prospects in right-hander Alexander Vizcaino and outfielder Kevin Alcantara in the blockbuster trade. Upon arrival, Vizcaino and Alcantara rank as the Cubs’ new sixth and ninth-best prospects, respectively. Since Rizzo was probably not returning anyway, what it get this is for the Cubs.

This deal will only get better if Rizzo walks away from the Yankees in his impending free agency.

Anthony Rizzo trade netted Cubs a massive haul that soothes the pain

Rizzo turns 32-years-old in about a week. The three-time NL All-Star and four-time Gold Glove recipient will be one of the biggest names hitting free agency this winter. While there was some belief he would be the one player from the Cubs’ 2016 World Series core the Chicago front office would give a long-term extension to, he was actually dealt before Javy Baez and Kris Bryant.

Could Rizzo return to the Cubs on a long-term deal this winter? Potentially, but do not count on it. He may have loved playing on the North Side, but he knows the Cubs are heading towards a painful rebuild. While he goes from a team that is clearly out of it in Chicago to a team fighting for its playoff life in New York, Cubs fans will pay closer attention to the prospects they got for him.

How Alcantara and Vizcaino progress could ensure Cubs fans that Chicago won the Rizzo trade.