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Yankees Acquire All-Star 1B Anthony Rizzo From Cubs

CHICAGO, IL - JULY 18: Anthony Rizzo #44 of the Chicago Cubs points to the dugout as he runs the bases after hitting a three run home run in the 3rd inning against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field on July 16, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The New York Yankees acquired All-Star Anthony Rizzo from the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, the team announced.

“The New York Yankees today announced that they have acquired INF Anthony Rizzo and cash considerations from the Chicago Cubs in exchange for minor league right-handed pitcher Alexander Vizcaíno and outfielder Kevin Alcántara,” the team said on Twitter.

“All good things come to an end,” Rizzo said about the trade. “To be able to go to another historic franchise like the Yankees, it’s unbelievable. Getting all the calls and texts, how excited they are, how excited I am. My family is all from New Jersey and New York. Emily’s family is up in Connecticut. It’s going to be a really special opportunity for me these next three months. I’m just going to enjoy it all.”

Rizzo wasn’t in the lineup for the Cubs’ series finale against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday. The three-time All-Star is batting .248 with 14 home runs and 40 RBIs in 92 games this season. Rizzo will become a free agent after this season. The first baseman spent over 10 years with Chicago. He helped lead the franchise to its first World Series in over 100 years in 2016.

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The acquisition of Rizzo comes after the Yankees acquired All-Star outfielder Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers. Both All-Stars are left-handed hitters, which the Yankees wanted to add to their predominantly right-handed lineup.

The arrival of the two All-Star hitters will greaten New York’s chances at snagging a Wild Card spot in the American League.

Allan Perez