Chicago Cubs: Anthony Rizzo somehow remains underrated in fans’ eyes

Chicago Cubs: Year-in, year-out, Rizzo delivers

There are few players in all of baseball, let alone on the Chicago Cubs, as predictable as Anthony Rizzo. Annually since 2014, the Cubs first baseman has hit at least 31 home runs. In each of the last three seasons, he eclipsed the 100-RBI mark, as well.

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Like I said, you know what you’re getting.

But power-hitting first baseman grow on trees, right? That may be the case, but there’s a big difference between Rizzo and someone like, say, Pedro Alvarez? He fits that power-hitting first baseman line. And that’s not to take anything away from the Cubs’ fearless leader, either. It simply comes down to the fact there’s far more to his game than hitting homers.

He’s always been a remarkably good hitter in pitcher-friendly counts. Why? Because he chokes up and understands a seemingly lost art: cutting down your swing for contact. In today’s launch angle revolution, the majority of big leaguers fail to shorten up. Just ask Baez, who’s notorious for violent swings and misses.

In fact, last year, Rizzo walked more than he struck out (91:90) – a remarkable feat for anyone, let alone a ‘power-hitting first baseman’. This guy simply gets how to hit – and it goes far, far beyond his power game.

Chicago Cubs: Rizzo sets the tone at first base

When evaluating a player’s defensive prowess, there are two distinct schools of baseball fans: old and new school. With advanced metrics, we can quantify players’ abilities on a much finer level. The old school thinkers? They believe more in the eye test, which is more effective when you watch guys on a daily basis.

Both disciplines look favorably on Anthony Rizzo at first base. Two years ago, he received a Wilson Defensive Player of the Year award – and also the Rawlings Platinum Glove, awarded annually to the overall best defender in each league.

He ranks ninth among active first baseman in putouts and sixth in fielding percentage. Last season, despite not bringing home any hardware, he led all first baseman in fielding percentage. He’s saved many a young infielder from an error with his impressive abilities around the bag.

And let’s not forget. While we give Willson Contreras love for his backpick throws to nail runners, it’s Rizzo who is always ready to make the tag in a near-flawless manner. Or how about his defense of bunts?

Name a better infield duo than Baez and Rizzo. It’s OK, we’ll wait.

Chicago Cubs: Etching his name in the history books

Fifty years from now, fans will still be listening to Pat Hughes’ call of the final out of the 2016 World Series. We’ll be looking at old copies of the Chicago Tribune, remembering what it was like to see Kris Bryant throw across the diamond to Anthony Rizzo for the final out.

And that remains true no matter how many championships the Cubs win between now and then. While that play will be Rizzo’s longest-lasting legacy in Chicago, there’s a lot more to what he’s done for this franchise.

Sticking strictly to his on-field contributions (which almost doesn’t seem right given his role in the community and clubhouse), we’ll likely be hanging a ’44’ on a foul pole at the Confines one day. Why? Here’s why.

Before season’s end, he’ll crack the Cubs’ Top 10 all-time home run list. He enters Wednesday with 178 career long balls. The tenth and ninth names on that list? Hack Wilson and Hank Sauer. Say Rizzo plays through his current deal and averages 30 homers a year – that’s an additional 108 homers. That places him behind only Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ron Santo.

Not bad company.

Next: The Cubs' top home run hitters of all-time

Yes, there’s more to his game that just power. But the fact that he excels in all these other areas while also providing major pop in the lineup speaks to his talent. Make no mistake. When his contract expires in a few years, keeping Rizzo in the fold will be a top priority for this organization.