Chicago Cubs: What happens at first base if Anthony Rizzo goes down?

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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 18: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs walks back to the dugout after striking out in the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

If first baseman Anthony Rizzo were to suffer a season-ending injury, where would the Chicago Cubs turn? A lack of clear backup could be a problem.

Since 2014, Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo has appeared in a minimum of 155 games. That streak perfectly coincides with the team’s three-year run of postseason appearances (and two division titles – not to mention a World Series championship).

As the calendar flips to 2018, Rizzo ranks near-to-last on Cubs’ fans list of concerns. He’s been the epitome of consistency in recent years. Not only has he been on the diamond, but he carries an impressive streak into the new season. He owns three consecutive 30-homer, 100-RBI campaigns in the heart of the Chicago order.

But what if the unthinkable happened? What if Rizzo suffered a season-ending injury that cost him the majority of 2018? Do the Chicago Cubs have an in-house solution to such a problem? A recent report indicates the Cubs made an offer to a young free agent first baseman – so are they looking to safeguard against just an occurrence?

Let’s look closer at the options at-hand for Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer and try to break down how the Cubs could handle such a monumental loss.

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