Cubs Rumors: Anthony Rizzo Pursuit Being Considered by CHC After Lockout

After being traded by the Chicago Cubs midway through the 2021 season, Anthony Rizzo could return to the club as a free agent this offseason.

Per Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Cubs have had "internal conversations" about pursuing Rizzo when Major League Baseball's lockout comes to an end.

As the Cubs were in the midst of finishing 71-91 last season, the front office decided to look toward the future by dealing Rizzo, Javier Baez and Kris Bryant prior to the July 30 trade deadline.

Rizzo was moved to the New York Yankees for prospects Alexander Vizcaino and Kevin Alcantara.

Frank Schwindel was fantastic as the Cubs' primary first baseman after Rizzo was traded last season, hitting .342/.389/.613 with 13 homers in 56 games. But he was also a 29-year-old rookie who had no extended MLB experience prior to 2021.

A three-time All-Star, Rizzo turned in a solid 2021 campaign between the Cubs and Yankees, hitting .248/.344/.440 with 22 homers and 61 RBI in 496 at-bats over 141 games. 

The Yankees could end up slotting Luke Voit back in at first base if they want to move on from Rizzo. Injuries limited Voit to 68 games last season, but he still managed a .764 OPS and 11 homers in 213 at-bats.

The Cubs are in an interesting spot because they made one notable move prior to the lockout that seems to indicate they want to contend in 2022, signing Marcus Stroman to a three-year, $71 million deal on Dec. 1 with an opt out after the second season.

If Chicago's front office believes the roster has the talent to contend, signing a player like Rizzo makes sense. He's only 32 and doesn't figure to cost a ton as a free agent.