The New York Yankees just added another big-time player to their lineup before the MLB trade deadline in Chicago Cubs All-Star Anthony Rizzo.
YES Network’s Jack Curry initially reported the news of the Yankees’ trade for Rizzo, which was confirmed by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal.
Rizzo has struggled over the last season and a half at the plate — at least by his standards — logging a slash line of just .248/.346/.446 this season thus far, but he’s still an excellent addition to the Bronx Bombers’ roster and a left-handed bat the club really needs.
The 31-year-old veteran could use a change of scenery from the Windy City, as the Cubs have struggled to a 50-54 record this year to date and are in full sell mode prior to MLB’s trade ultimatum.
Meanwhile, New York is attempting to spark its efforts to remain in the hunt for an American League Wild Card berth. As of Thursday, the Yanks are three games back of the Oakland Athletics for the last playoff spot, and trail the Seattle Mariners by a game in the standings as well.
The Pinstripes’ nemesis, the Boston Red Sox, lead them by nine games in the AL East, and the Tampa Bay Rays are a full seven games ahead. Obviously, the recent trades for Rizzo and Joey Gallo show how serious the Yankees are about fighting into the playoffs.
Even Rizzo on his own, can make enough of an impact to boost New York into the postseason. He’ll also be a big help at first base to the Yankees infield and increase their lineup flexibility, as Rizzo is a four-time Gold Glove Award winner.
In terms of compensation heading back to the Cubs, it’s being reported that two top-12 Yankees prospects are headed to the Windy City. Chicago receives pitcher Alexander Vizcaino (ninth) and outfielder Kevin Alcantara.
They are two lower-level prospects with Vizcaino currently playing at high Single-A ball and Alcantara seeing the field in rookie ball.