MLB Trade Rumors: Anthony Rizzo Would Be Great First Step in Cubs' Rebuild

Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have been in charge of the Chicago Cubs for nearly two months and have yet to make one significant move. If they don't do something soon, the natives will get restless. Matt Garza has been on the trade block for weeks, and ESPN's Jim Bowden tweets that there may be some package deal involving him going to San Diego for Anthony Rizzo. 

It is unclear at this point just how real the rumors are, but if that is something the Cubs would be able to pull off, it would be a major coup for a franchise that is in desperate need of high-impact talent that is either ready to play in the big leagues or close to ready. 

Rizzo was the key piece of the Adrian Gonzalez trade last winter, so he is no stranger to pressure and playing in new situations. But with the Padres making a move to acquire Yonder Alonso, who also plays first base, from the Cincinnati Reds, they may be looking to move one of them. 

The Reds did try to play Alonso in the outfield last season, but he is not athletic enough to handle that. He is best suited to playing first, but his defense is not as good as Rizzo's. 

In fact, Rizzo is a better prospect overall than Alonso. He plays better defense and is projected to be a better overall hitter. The one area where Alonso might be able to challenge him is in the power department, though they will both likely ending up with 25-30 homers every season in their prime. 

Rizzo has the kind of impact talent that the Cubs lack in their farm system right now. Javier Baez is the best prospect they have, but he was just drafted out of high school and is 19 years old. He probably won't be ready for three years. 

Garza would be a nice addition for the Padres, and he would give them the top of the rotation starter that they lost when they traded Latos to the Reds. I understand why they made that deal, but if I were them then I would look to trade Alonso before Rizzo. 

The Cubs have a lot of work to do before they become contenders again, and a deal for Rizzo would be a great first move for Epstein and Hoyer. Both men know him well from their days with the Boston Red Sox. 

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