New York Yankees Win The Anthony Rizzo Sweepstakes

The New York Yankees are set to acquire first baseman Anthony Rizzo from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for prospects Kevin Alcantara and Alexander Vizcaino. This comes just one day after the Yankees acquired Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers.

Rizzo deal to Yankees is agreed to. Yanks really going for it.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2021

This is a huge splash for the Yankees, as they were on the hunt for an upgrade at first base. Rizzo is certainly a big addition, as he is a three-time All-Star and of course, a World Series champion.

In 92 games this season with the Cubs, he has 14 home runs and 40 RBIs. His batting average is a bit lower than previous seasons, as he is currently hitting .248. It is very possible that he can start making better contact on the Yankees, as he will have a fresh start. However, he also is joining another huge market and a team who is fighting for a playoff berth.

The Yankees currently have a 53-48 record and are nine games out of first place in the American League East. They also are three games out of the final wild card spot, but there is still plenty of time for them to catch up. Adding both Gallo and Rizzo should help them a lot more with their pursuit of this.

The Cubs are getting two prospects for a veteran with an expiring deal, so it's better than nothing. Alcantara is a 19-year-old outfielder who will naturally be in the minors for a good amount of time. Vizcaino, on the other hand, is a 24-year-old starting pitcher who is inching closer to making the big leagues.

The Yankees are trading Alcantara and Vizcaino for Rizzo. The Cubs are picking up all of Rizzo’s remaining salary.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 29, 2021