Chicago Cubs Rumors: 5 blockbuster trades for selling now
By Ryan Heckman
The Chicago Cubs could trade Anthony Rizzo to the Oakland Athletics
It would pain many fans to see the Cubs deal first baseman Anthony Rizzo, but the way the organization has been operating over the past couple of years, nothing should surprise us. The front office is going to find themselves in a rebuild, quick and in a hurry.
If and when that ultimately happens, Rizzo will not be back. The Cubs could try and get something for him in return before they lose him for nothing. Speaking of the aforementioned Athletics, they will probably be looking to add a bat or two prior to this year’s deadline. Rizzo could fit the bill.
This year, Rizzo is batting .248 with a slugging percentage of .442 and an on-base percentage of .344. If he’s traded, Rizzo won’t net any of the A’s top-10 prospects, but they would give up a couple of youngsters in return if they’re serious about making a run this season.
In this trade, Oakland would send the Cubs third baseman Jordan Diaz, their number 11 prospect. The Athletics would also trade outfielder Austin Beck, coming in at number 17 on their current prospect list.
There is no doubt what Rizzo has to offer a postseason team, whether it be the experience and leadership or his bat, of course. It would be a sad end of an era for the Cubs, but one fans should see coming sooner or later.