The Cubs acquired Anthony Rizzo and pitcher Zach Cates from the San Diego Padres for Andrew Cashner and outfield prospect Kyung-Min Na on Friday afternoon.
Anthony Rizzo was the top prospect in the Padres’ system after Jed Hoyer acquired him a year ago from Theo Epstein and the Red Sox in the deal for Adrian Gonzalez.
Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer have traded two recent first round picks since they took over baseball operations of the Chicago Cubs … Tyler Colvin (2006) and Andrew Cashner (2008).
Anthony Rizzo was the sixth round pick of Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer and Jason McLeod in the 2007 draft. The 22-year old left-handed first baseman (August 8, 1989) posted a .331/.404.652/1.056 line in 93 games at the Triple-A level in 2011. Rizzo hit 34 doubles, one triple and 26 home runs.
Anthony Rizzo’s Page on Baseball-Reference
The Padres selected Zach Cates in the third round of the 2010 draft. Cates is 22 years old (December 17, 1989) and 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. Cates was 4-10 in 25 starts with a 4.73 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Cates allowed 107 hits, struck out 111 batters and walked 53 in 118 innings at the Single-A level.
Zach Cates’ Page on Baseball-Reference
Kyung-Min Na posted a .268/.358/.312/.671 line in four stops in the Cubs minor league system last season (rookie ball, low and high A-ball and Double-A). In 83 games, the 20-year old lefty outfielder hit ten doubles, one triple and no home runs.
Kyung-Min Na’s Page on Baseball-Reference
The acquisition of Anthony Rizzo takes the Cubs out of the Prince Fielder derby.
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