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Report: Red Sox, Cubs have discussed Rizzo deal

Todd Kirkland / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Boston Red Sox could turn to a familiar face for an upgrade at first base.

Boston has had preliminary talks with the Chicago Cubs about slugger Anthony Rizzo, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

The Red Sox have received the worst first base production in baseball, accruing a minus-1.4 fWAR at the position, according to FanGraphs.

Bobby Dalbec, who's gotten the majority of reps at first for Boston, is hitting just .218/.259/.397.

In addition to Dalbec's paltry offensive numbers, his minus-7 defensive runs saved is the worst among qualified players at his position.

Rizzo, who the Red Sox drafted in 2007, is hitting .248/.346/.441 with 13 home runs, 16 doubles, and 38 RBIs in 90 games this season.

The three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glover has also produced 100-plus RBIs in four seasons, alongside a career .852 OPS (128 OPS+).

Rizzo is owed the remainder of his $16.5-million salary for 2021 before he becomes a free agent at season's end.

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