Team picks up option on Rizzo
The Chicago Cubs picked up the $16.5 million option on three-time All-Star first baseman Anthony Rizzo for 2021 in what could be a farewell season.
The decision gives the Cubs some stability as more difficult decisions await them in what figures to be a challenging offseason. Rizzo, 31, is entering the final season of a multiyear contract he signed in 2013 but is aware the core groupthat has led the franchise to five playoff appearances in six seasons could break up.
On Friday, the Cubs declined the $25 million option on lefthanded pitcher Jon Lester.
With COVID-19 inflicting significant revenue losses and about 100 layoffs in the baseball and business departments, the Cubs face the juggling act of remaining a playoff contender while adding young players and defining the futures of shortstop Javier Baez, third baseman Kris Bryant and left fielder Kyle Schwarber— who all can be free agents after the 2021 season.
In addition, catcher Willson Contreras is two years away from free agency.
With Rizzo under control, the Cubs have committed about $93 million to six players for 2021 — not including Baez, Bryant, Schwarber and Contreras.
Rizzo, the Cubs’ most consistent left-handed hitter, batted only .222 with 11 home runs, 24 RBIs and a .755OPS— his lowest since 2012 — in 58 games. But over the last eight seasons with the Cubs, Rizzo has 228 home runs, 744 RBIs and an .866 OPS.
As expected, infielder Daniel Descalso received a $1 million buyout. Descalso missed all of 2020 because of an ankle injury suffered in the final exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins.