The Chicago Cubs have six players that will be free agents after the 2021 season (if Kris Bryant wins his grievance, he could become a free agent after this next season). It is believed that the Cubs will be working hard to extend players with two years remaining, and those who they cannot extend might be available for trade.
Surprisingly, Anthony Rizzo is not in their plans.
I am not saying that Rizzo won’t be extended at some point, and I am not saying Rizzo will leave after the 2021 season. But, according to Rizzo’s agency, the Cubs have notified them that they will not be offering Rizzo an extension this offseason.
“The Cubs have informed us that they will not be offering Anthony an extension at this time,” Rizzo’s agent Marc Pollack said from the winter meetings. “Anthony has let his desire to be a Cub for life known to the organization. Although we do not know what the future holds, a deal to make that happen will not be addressed now.”
Jesse Rogers of ESPN
This could also lend some validity to the rumors that we heard about the Cubs possibly entertaining offers for the star first baseman. While, I don’t believe this would come to fruition, and most offseason talk is just that, talk, but this is a significant piece of news here.
Outside of trading Rizzo, one way to rationalize this is, Rizzo has publicly stated he wants to retire as a Cub. While some other Cubs have stated that, it can come off as negotiating through the media. When Rizzo says it, there is something that tells you it just feels real.
The Cubs could have some assertions that this is absolutely true, and they can put off extension talks to the next offseason. Or, wait everything out and understand that Rizzo will prefer any Cubs offer once his current deal is up.
While prominent agents are talking about discussions that have taken place, the Cubs are pretty tight-lipped on any communications they’ve had.
“Are we having those discussions? Yes,” Jed Hoyer said. “I’m not going to specify who or what but certainly those conversations are ongoing.”
Whatever happens with Rizzo, he cherishes the chance to play for the Cubs. He has also been outspoken about playing for the new manager, David Ross. Pollack reiterated this at the meetings.
“Anthony loves playing for the Cubs fans and loves the city of Chicago,” Pollack said. “He is excited to be playing for David Ross and will continue to work hard to help the team get back into the postseason and win another championship.”
Here are the Cubs with expiring contracts after the 2021 season:
- Jon Lester ($10 million buyout after 2020)
- Anthony Rizzo
- Daniel Descalso ($1 million buyout after 2020)
- Kris Bryant
- Javier Baez
- Kyle Schwarber
Jesse Rogers also notes that an industry source has indicated that the Cubs have not approached Schwarber as of yet. This coming after the news that the Cubs will use the offseason as their primary time to have extension conversations. They have traditionally waited until Spring Training, but by approaching them sooner will allow for more dialog and less distraction while guys are tuning up for a six month season.
It seems that every player is on notice and the entire Cubs organization is fluid. Maybe this is what the team needs in order to play to potential? When there are four players that can compete for MVP’s on your roster, you shouldn’t finish third in your division.
