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Nearly a decade ago, the Cubs made a splash in acquiring Anthony Rizzo.
Nine years ago, the Chicago Cubs were just getting started on their top-to-bottom organizational overhaul under Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer. One of their first – and most impactful – moves? Bringing in first baseman and former Red Sox prospect Anthony Rizzo.
At the time, Rizzo was just 22 and coming off a brutal first taste of the big leagues with the San Diego Padres. Hoyer and Epstein, who just two years prior had been on opposite sides of the deal that brought Rizzo to San Diego and sent Adrian Gonzalez to Boston, knew this was a guy they wanted.