CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Alexander Vizcaíno and minor league outfielder Kevin Alcántara from the New York Yankees for first baseman Anthony Rizzo and a cash consideration.
Vizcaíno, 24, is the ninth-ranked prospect in the Yankees farm system according to MLB.com. A native of San Cristóbal, D.R., Vizcaíno signed with the Yankees as an international free agent in May of 2016 and has posted a 4.95 ERA (146 ER/265.1 IP) in 62 career minor league games (53 starts) with one complete game and a 12-21 record. He has averaged just over one strikeout per inning pitched, striking out 268 batters compared to 107 walks.
The six-foot two-inch Vizcaíno was named a South Atlantic League All-Star in 2019 with Single-A Charleston, going 5-5 with a 4.41 ERA (43 ER/87.2 IP) and a complete game for the club before he was promoted to Single-A Tampa in late July. All told, Vizcaíno in 2019 was 6-6 with a 4.37 ERA (56 ER/115.1 IP) with 38 walks, 128 strikeouts and a 1.31 WHIP.
Vizcaíno this season has made six appearances between the Rookie League Yankees and Single-A Hudson Valley (7.50 ERA) after starting the campaign on the injured list.
Alcántara, 19, is the 12th-ranked prospect in the Yankees farm system according to MLB.com. He owns a .269 batting average (50-for-186) with nine doubles, three triples, two home runs and 22 RBI in 49 career minor league games after signing with the Yankees as an international free agent in July of 2018.
A six-foot six-inch right-handed hitter from San Cristóbal, D.R., Alcántara this year has batted .360 (9-for-25) with a double, a home run and three RBI in eight games for the Florida Complex League Yankees.
Rizzo, 31, this season owns a .248 average (80-for-323) with 16 doubles, three triples, 14 home runs and 40 RBI in 92 games with the Cubs. Since joining the organization prior to the 2012 season, Rizzo has amassed 242 home runs, 784 RBI, 276 doubles, a .272 average (1,311-for-4,812) and a .372 OBP in 1,308 games for Chicago. He leaves ranked sixth on the club’s all-time home run list, 10th in extra-base hits (538), 13th in doubles and 19th in games played. Additionally, his 165 hit by pitches are a franchise mark.
A three-time N.L. All-Star and four-time N.L. Gold Glove winner, as well a N.L. Platinum Glove winner, a N.L. Silver Slugger Award winner and the recipient of the 2017 Roberto Clemente Award, Rizzo was acquired by Chicago from San Diego, January 6, 2012, with minor league pitcher Zach Cates for pitcher Andrew Cashner and minor league outfielder Kyung-Min Na.
