Rizzo cuts off talks with Cubs as free agency looms

MESA, ARIZ. » Anthony Rizzo is cutting off talks with the Chicago Cubs on a new contract and is prepared to play the season as free agency looms after the World Series.

The first baseman, who in 2016 helped the Cubs win their first title in 108 years, agreed in March 2013 to a $41 million, seven-year contract that included two team option years. He has a $16.5 million salary this season and set a deadline of opening day agreement.

“Obviously there’s been talks and whatnot, but it doesn’t look like really at this time anything is going to be finalized and look forward to just opening up Thursday and starting this journey with this team,” Rizzo said Monday.

His preference is to stay with the Cubs. He won’t listen to an offer unless it is at a level close to what he thinks the proposal should be.

for a new

Third baseman Kris Bryant and shortstop Javier Báez also are entering the final season of their contracts. Bryant has a $19.5 million salary and Báez $11.65 million.

Rizzo, who turns 32 in August, hit .222 with 11 homers and 24 RBIs during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season. The three-time All-Star has a .271 career average with 229 homers and 753 RBIs in 10 major league seasons.

Rizzo

understands

fan unhappiness with a lack of spending by the Cubs and roster additions to the level many would like to see.

He knows this is the final season of his contract and has no idea whether this will be his last year with the Cubs.

Bush making much different comeback for Rangers this time

This comeback is so much different for former No. 1 overall draft pick Matt Bush.

The hard-throwing reliever, now a 35-year-old husband and father, is coming back from injury after not pitching for the Texas Rangers since 2018.

“More of the rehab process, where before was more of just I hope and pray I’ll get a chance,” Bush said.

Bush’s previous comeback was from a much darker and lonely place off the field, after 3 ½ years in prison following a DUI accident during spring training in 2012 while with the

Tampa Bay Rays organization that seriously injured, and nearly killed, a 72-year-old man on a motorcycle.

“Last time I was definitely in an environment where it was almost like seriously a dream, if I can come back and play Major League Baseball,” Bush said. “I didn’t know if I had to go to independent ball and play, like where my opportunity could come, where my life would go in regards to making a living.”