Chicago Cubs Rumors: Kris Bryant to the Rays? Anthony Rizzo to Boston?

Chicago Cubs Rumors: Is Anthony Rizzo shipping up to Boston?

We’ve been talking for weeks now about a potential fit between the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs when it comes to first baseman and Gold Glover Anthony Rizzo. 

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Now, there are multiple reports confirming Boston has interest in Rizzo, who would be a major upgrade for Alex Cora’s club at first base. Per Jeff Passan, the Sox have had ‘preliminary’ discussions regarding Rizzo – but he notes that the market for his services isn’t particularly robust, either.

This seems like a good time to set some expectations. You’re not going to pry away a top prospect for Rizzo at this point in his career. He’s declined offensively since his peak and hasn’t shown that 2020 was just a bump in the road so far this year, either. Yes, he’s still an above-average offensive player and a strong defender, but, again, he’s a rental and teams will only give up so much for those types of players – especially those who lack the star power of a Bryant.

I know Rizzo is beloved and means more to the franchise than any single player has in decades. But I think he’s going to wind up testing the market this winter after receiving what he felt was a low offer this spring from Chicago (five years, $70 million).

If the Cubs can flip Rizzo to Boston and then turn around and bring him back in free agency, go for it. Just don’t expect anything earth-shattering in return for two months of an almost-32-year old first baseman whose OPS has fallen nearly 150 points since 2019.