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Anthony Rizzo could be in his final weeks or months in a Chicago Cubs uniform. But he’s going to make sure fans know that if that’s the case, it’s because the organization is doing it that way – and not the other way around.
As his career progressed, the triple All-Star became a much more vocal presence in the clubhouse and with the media – perhaps at no time more than the past six months, when it was first opened. and direct when asked about the extension. talks and its future on the north side.
This weekend, Rizzo explained it all: If the Cubs want to re-sign Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez, they are more than capable of doing it – no matter what messages the property has sent about the state of the club. . financial during the past year.
“If they want to, they absolutely can,” Rizzo told the Chicago Tribune on Friday. “The game thrives with all the television offerings, income (stream). If this is their exit and it’s time to go, so be it.
Tom Ricketts spoke of financial losses of “biblical” proportions last year. With no fans in the stands or frequenting Ricketts’ owned hotels and restaurants in Wrigleyville, I have no doubt that he felt it in his wallet – as did tens of millions of Americans. But make no mistake about it. The Chicago Cubs remain a great market team.
Chicago Cubs to be responsible for Anthony Rizzo’s departure
Rizzo has every right to put the ball in the team’s court. They put him down this spring and at this point he has nothing to lose by making it clear that he would like to remain a Cub for life. If that doesn’t happen, however, he seems perfectly content to move on, knowing the fans aren’t going to blame him anyway.
As the trade deadline approaches, the question of the future of the kernel will be a highly speculated topic in both local and national media. Bryant is playing like an MVP, Baez appears to be the star of the free agent shortstop class this winter, and Rizzo remains one of the best first basemen in the game.
“I just think it’s so out of our control. I know this question is going to be asked now, and at the star break, and at the trade deadline and in September and October. But it’s really out of our control. Just do what’s best for yourself, what’s best for the next player, for the game, and for your own mindset.
Cubs president Jed Hoyer has a long history with Rizzo, having signed him in Boston and traded for him in San Diego. Of the three, at least before spring, the first baseman seemed to be the most likely to stick around for the long haul. Now, however, I’m not so sure – and there are certainly teams out there that would love to add it next winter.
One thing is certain. Anthony Rizzo is fair in his assessment. If the Chicago Cubs want all three, they sure can do it financially. It remains to be seen whether or not the organization chooses such a path.
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