Chicago Cubs: Anthony Rizzo not letting pandemic slow him down

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo spent quarantine getting shredded.

While players and the league continue to negotiate a return, Chicago Cubs first baseman and unofficial captain Anthony Rizzo is continuing his growth. A man of the people determined to do his absolute best and some whenever things go back to normal.

As of right now, it appears that we will not be watching live Major League Baseball action until spring training of next year. With that said, players have taken to social media, keeping fans in the loop.

Before we dive into Rizzo’s dramatic transformation, let us reflect on another North Side heavy-hitter who paved the way. Ahead of the 2018 campaign, Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber made life-changing decisions.

It is too easy to keep weight on, avoiding the gym and carrying on with life. That wasn’t going to be the case for Schwarber, a former catcher and linebacker. The 2014 first-round pick had dropped 20 pounds, showing up a completely different person.

This is a man who worked his way from a devastating knee injury during the 2016 campaign. His return in time for the World Series is a story of determination in itself. If he can do that, then dropping some of his then-235 pounds wouldn’t be difficult, right?

It was time for Rizzo to do the same and, wow. Standing with Mike Napoli, Rizzo was shown on Instagram after losing 25+ pounds. In the same post, videos of Anthony running agility drills, tire and sledgehammer workouts, and lifting weights are included.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBDzQ0BsTkl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

He is a machine.

With baseball operations at a stand-still, Rizzo has spent the majority of his time in Florida. Of course, he has continued to do his part in the world by helping out children’s hospitals. You shouldn’t expect anything less from someone who has used his platform for the better good.

Almost saint-like, that man. Last season, a heavier Anthony Rizzo ended the campaign with fewer than 100 RBI for the first time since 2015. Odd given how consistent he has been in this one specific offensive category.

It’ll be interesting to see how much of his game will change following the transformation. Will he stop crowding the plate as much or continue to force pitchers to challenge him inside? Is he channeling his inner Dexter Fowler and solidifying a stronger on-base presence?

All of these questions come to mind and surely more will follow as time goes on. This is something Chicago Cubs fans should consider tracking while we all wait for both sides to agree on a deal. Baseball is greatly missed.