Norm Hall/Getty ImagesAccording to reports, the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs have had preliminary conversations about Anthony Rizzo's status as first baseman ahead of Friday's 2021 MLB trade deadline.Jeff Passan, ESPN's sports reporter, reported Tuesday that Rizzo's interest is not as high as some of the Cubs trade candidates. However, Boston is among the clubs seeking a potential upgrade in the next few days.At 62-39, the Red Sox have the best record in American League. This is 1.5 games more than the Tampa Bay Rays (60-40), in the AL East. This success has been achieved despite very little production from their basemen.Bobby Dalbec and Danny Santana, as well as Michael Chavis, have all spent time at the position. Boston's first basemen have a combined.244 On-base percentage. This is 30 points lower than any other MLB first base team, according to FanGraphs.Rizzo's 2021 OBP was.346 with 13 home runs in 90 games. His career OBP is.370The contract is ending for the 31-year-old Florida resident. It was a seven-year, $41million deal. Boston might be able to acquire him at a bargain price due to his impending free agency, the Cubs' difficulties ahead of a deadline fire sale, and the limited number teams that are looking for upgrades at first base.Rizzo has won four Gold Glove Awards as well as three All-Star selections. Rizzo would upgrade Boston's first base to improve an offense that ranks third behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros in runs scored.Rizzo said Sunday that he had no idea what was going to happen. It's been nearly four years since all the talk was out there. In those four years, I don't think much has changed. This could be it. We'll be there when that happens."Red Sox should have enough talent within their prospect pool to make a deal. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter placed their system at No. 21 overall after the 2021 Draft, six prospects were rated in Joel Reuter's first or second tiers. These prospects could be of interest for Chicago, although Boston won't likely move any of its top prospects to Chicago.The trade is logical on paper so it shouldn't surprise that the sides reach an agreement before the deadline.
