With many top prospects, such as OF Bryce Harper, reaching the majors and other incurring early-season injuries, prospect analyst Keith Law has decided to reshuffle his Top 25 Prospects list, and coming in at No. 20? None other than Chicago Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo:
20. Anthony Rizzo, 1B, Chicago Cubs (age 22)
Current level: Triple-A (Iowa)
Preseason ranking: 36Rizzo is shorter to the ball now and even hitting lefties (.327 BA/.377 OBP/.592 SLG in just 53 PA with 12 strikeouts), as well as providing plus defense at first.
Despite crushing minor league pitching, Rizzo may have to be content to wait. Analysts do not expect Rizzo to join the team until June at the soonest.
The 22-year-old slugger joined the Cubs organization this past offseason in the trade that sent RHP Andrew Cashner to the San Diego Padres.
For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out the Cubs blog Bleed Cubbie Blue. And to learn more about the latest MLB prospect news and ratings, drop by Minor League Ball with John Sickels.