Cubs' Anthony Rizzo Touts Addison Russell's MVP Future

(CBS) Count Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo among the biggest supporters for second-year shortstop Addison Russell.

Speaking to the Spiegel and Goff Show at Cubs spring training in Arizona on Tuesday morning, Rizzo explained what his expectation is for Russell in the years to come.

"I have him pegged as an MVP," Rizzo said of Russell's future. "He knows it. I tell him every day, I have the biggest baseball crush on him since he got called up. The way he plays, the way he moves. I have him pegged to win the MVP one year for sure."

Russell has earned rave reviews for a strong spring showing. He's added a leg kick to his swing and is hitting for more power, adding another tool to his arsenal.

Still, Russell's greatest strength seems to be with his outstanding glove. He's now rounding out that talented game.

Russell hit .242 with 13 homers, 54 RBIs and a .696 OPS in 142 games last season.

"You just don't see it every day," Rizzo said. "His hands are unbelievably quick. At the plate, he's got a great approach. He's only 22 years old now. He's going to come a long way in the next 10 years."

The Cubs enter the 2016 season as World Series favorites, with many projecting the team to win it all.

Naturally, there's a pressure that follows being a World Series favorite, especially in Chicago, but Rizzo embraces what's ahead for his team.

"Playing in Chicago, it's way different because of other circumstances," he said. "But at the end of the day, it's about one thing -- winning a championship."