Anthony Rizzo is one of the top free agents on the market at the moment. He’s a lefty power bat that is sure to be on several team’s watchlists. He’s also a former World Series champion.
The lockout put a freeze on transactions, but Rizzo will be a hot commodity once it’s over. Here are three potential landing spots for him when free agency resumes.
Atlanta Braves
This is really only an option if Freddie Freeman leaves, but it’s always possible. Rizzo is most likely going to be a little cheaper than Freeman, and we don’t know where Freeman is going to land.
One would expect him to land back in Atlanta, but if he doesn’t Rizzo is a good fallback option. He’s a veteran player who’s still productive and someone who can be a leader in the clubhouse with all of the young players Atlanta has on its roster.
Boston Red Sox
Perhaps he’ll go right back where it all started. While he never appeared in a Red Sox uniform, he was drafted by Boston.
They do already have Bobby Dalbec playing first base, but he’s been somewhat of a cautionary tale thus far in his career. Perhaps having a veteran presence like Rizzo around could help Dalbec mature into the player the Red Sox think he can be. Rizzo could also be a DH if Kyle Schwarber departs for somewhere else. At the very least, he’s a lefty with power who could take advantage of the short porch in right field.
Oakland A’s
Matt Olson’s name has been floating around in trade rumors for a while. If he is indeed traded, maybe Oakland could make a play for Rizzo.
They may not be able to sign Olson to an extension, but Rizzo, at this point in his career, will probably be cheaper than Olson, so if the A’s want to still contend, Rizzo could be somebody they turn to.
