Cubs pick up $ 16.5M option on Rizzo

CHICAGO » The Chicago Cubs picked up their $ 16.5 million option for Anthony Rizzo on Saturday, bringing back the popular first baseman after he struggled during the pandemic- shortened season.

The 31- year- old Rizzo hit just .222 this year for his lowest batting average since his first year in the majors in 2011. But he has been one of the majors’ most productive sluggers since he was acquired in a 2012 trade with San Diego. He’s also a key clubhouse leader for the NL Central champions.

Rizzo would have been owed a $ 2 million buyout had the Cubs declined his option. The team could try to extend his deal to create some salary relief for next season after losing money this year because of the pandemic.

The Cubs also declined their $ 3.5 million option for infielder Daniel Descalso, who missed last season because of a left ankle sprain. The 34- year- old Descalso is owed a $ 1 million buyout.

Chicago declined left- hander Jon Lester’s $ 25 million mutual option on Friday, but each side has left the door open for a possible return.

Yankees let reliever Kahnle become free agent.

NEW YORK » The New York Yankees have let Tommy Kahnle become a free agent rather than allow him to become eligible for salary arbitration ahead of a season he is likely to largely miss while recovering from Tommy John surgery.

New York said Saturday that the hard- throwing 31- year- old right- hander had refused an outright assignment to the minor leagues and elected to become a free agent, Kahnle’s right as a player with at least three years of major league service.

Kahnle has 5 years, 131 days of major league service and despite the injury would have been likely to get a raise after making $ 2.65 million last season.

He had Tommy John surgery on Aug. 4 and is likely to return in late 2021 or at the start of the 2022 season.