Before last year’s trade deadline, the New York Yankees acquired lefty-hitting slugger Anthony Rizzo from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for prospects. The first baseman had been with the Cubs since 2011 and was an integral part of their World Series-winning run in 2016.
Rizzo was settled in Chicago, was a fan favorite, and didn’t want to leave. He is, however, over the whole issue at this point, and says he is happy being in New York and playing for the Yankees.
He was a hero in Chicago: he won four Gold Glove Awards and went to three All-Star games in addition to that unforgettable 2016. But the Cubs didn’t want to pay him a long-term deal and traded him before he left nothing in return.
The Yankees first baseman had a hard time getting over the Cubs trading him
Rizzo told the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune (link to NJ Advance Media article here): “Now that it has happened, I’m very happy with where I’m at. … I don’t think it was ever necessarily (acrimonious). It’s business. … They had to make tough business decisions. As a human being, was I pissed off? Of course. But as a baseball player who sees what happens and (knows) this is a business, that’s the way it is. As far as hashing it out, I don’t think there’s much to hash out. … I wish them well.”
The Yankees ended up giving Rizzo a two-year, $32 million contract. Thanks to a hot start, Rizzo has been well worth the money: not only he offers clubhouse presence and leadership, but he is a competent fielder and a well above-average hitter: he is tied for third in MLB in home runs with 10 and has 30 RBI.
He has said in multiple occasions that he likes being a member of the Yankees, and he has proven it with his on-field performance. The past in well in the rearview mirror.