Hours after completing a trade to install All-Star outfielder Joey Gallo in the heart of their lineup, the Yankees continued to bolster their left-handed presence by acquiring Rizzo and cash from the Cubs in exchange for Minor League right-hander Alexander Vizcaino and outfielder Kevin Alcántara.
Rizzo, who turns 32 in 10 days, is a three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove Award winner who helped lead the Cubs to the 2016 World Series championship.
A free agent after the 2021 season, Rizzo was one of several Cubs players who were widely expected to be moved in advance of Friday’s Deadline, along with infielder Kris Bryant and pitcher Craig Kimbrel.
The Red Sox reportedly also expressed interest in Rizzo, who is earning $16.5 million this season — a figure that will be absorbed by the Cubs. Rizzo has slashed .248/.346/.446 (115 wRC+) with 16 doubles, three triples, 14 home runs and 40 RBIs in 92 games, striking out in only 15.7% of his plate appearances.
Rizzo’s acquisition comes as the Yankees continue to gauge trade interest in first baseman Luke Voit, who led the Majors with 22 home runs during last year’s pandemic-shortened season but has been limited to just 29 games in 2021 due to injuries.
