The Milwaukee Brewers have one of the best starting pitching rotations in all of baseball. They also have depth in the outfield which includes multiple top-tier prospects waiting for their chance in the Big Leagues. Additionally, the Brewers have middle infielders who will be making a significant impact on the Major League level for years to come. However, one position in which they have yet to make any long-lasting changes is first base. In fact, the Brewers have had a different Opening Day first baseman in each season since 2011. As much as fans love Rowdy Tellez and Daniel Vogelbach, questions about their long-term effectiveness remain. Keston Hiura was supposed to solve the problem at first last season, but could not find his swing at the plate. One way the Brewers can finally solidify this position is by going after free agent (and familiar foe) Anthony Rizzo.
Anthony Rizzo Provides a Solid Bat and Glove
Milwaukee Brewers fans are well-familiar with Anthony Rizzo. As the first baseman of the Chicago Cubs for nearly 10 seasons, Rizzo repeatedly broke Brewers’ fans’ hearts. For his career, Rizzo has a .268/.369/.481 slash line with 251 home runs and 814 RBI. From 2014-2019, Rizzo averaged a .284/.388.513 slash line with 30 home runs and 99 RBI per season. He hit over 30 home runs four times and drove in over 100 runs four times. Additionally, he finished in the top-10 of MVP voting three times, made three All-Star teams, won a Silver Slugger, and won three Gold Gloves. He won a fourth Gold Glove in the shortened 2020 season as well.
Oh, and he can pitch a little, too:
Anthony Rizzo in 2021
By the standards of his own career, Anthony Rizzo had a down year in 2021. Between the Cubs and New York Yankees, to whom he was traded, Rizzo his .248/.344/.440 with 22 home runs and 61 RBI. By comparison, however, the Brewers’ first basemen failed to hit for that high of average and barely hit that many home runs combined.
Would Anthony Rizzo Fit the Brewers?
Undoubtedly yes! Anthony Rizzo is one of the most respected and beloved players in the game. His interactions with other players endear him to opponents’ fanbases and make him well-liked among other teams. He is a great clubhouse leader, which the Brewers could use to replace Manny Pina who signed a two-year deal with Atlanta. As mentioned previously, Rizzo could finally provide some stability at first base, and his left-handed power bat would suit the short porch in American Family Field’s right field.
At 32 years of age, Rizzo will not get a deal that is more than three or four years. Based on his production, he will be a bit pricey. However, if the Brewers were willing to shell out $12.5 million for Jackie Bradley Jr., they can certainly pay a bit more for Anthony Rizzo.
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