Angels Rumors: Why these 2 players could be reunited with Joe Maddon

As it stands, the first base position in Anaheim is occupied. Albert Pujols is playing in the final year of his historic contract, and Jared Walsh will get his opportunity to serve as the team’s first baseman of the future.

Walsh swung the bat well in a small sample size last season, but he still has to prove his productivity in a full 162-game season. Rather than bank on Walsh taking the next steps in his career, the Angels could have an opportunity to bring in a proven option in Anthony Rizzo.

Angels: Anthony Rizzo has been one of the league’s most consistent first basemen.

A three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, Rizzo has proven to be one of the most consistent first baseman in the league over the past few seasons. He posted at least 30 home runs from 2014-2017 and had five straight 100-plus RBI seasons from 2015-2018.

Anthony Rizzo Last 5 Seasons:

• 2016 (155 games): (.292/.385/.544) 32 HR 109 RBI (All-Star)
• 2017 (157 games): (.273/.392/.507) 32 HR 109 RBI
• 2018 (153 games): (.283/.376/.470) 25 HR 101 RBI
• 2019 (146 games): (.293/.405/.520) 27 HR 94 RBI
• 2020 (58 games): (.222/.342/.414) 11 HR 24 RBI

Rizzo, 31, is coming off his worse season since his rookie year in 2011. Given his productivity up to this point, I wouldn’t be too concerned. That’s not the case for the Cubs, who reportedly low-balled Rizzo with a four-year, $60 million offer.

That figure per year is lower than the $16.5 million Rizzo is making this season. Somewhere in the neighborhood of five-years, $100 million is likely what Rizzo will be asking for in the offseason. A salary in that range would be more than affordable for the Angels, while still leaving room for additional players.