After first baseman Anthony Rizzo revealed Friday that he has declined to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the team acknowledged it continues to be a topic of consternation but that players respect everyone’s personal choices.
The Cubs are one of eight teams in MLB that haven’t reached the 85% threshold of vaccinations among their tier-1 and tier-2 personnel, which would relax safety protocols.
It’s well-known among the Cubs players who has and hasn’t been vaccinated, shortstop Javier Baez said.
"We have certainly discussed it,” Baez said. “If you want to say we have argued about it, you can say that. At the end of the day, we all are men here and respect each other. If we get there, fine. It would allow the team to do more things. If not, we will stay the same and stay together.”
Rizzo admitted he hasn’t been vaccinated during an appearance on ESPN 1000 on Friday.
“He was asked and he did not lie about it,” Baez said. "It's up to each person. He doesn't believe in it right now. We respect his decision. We know who the people are who are not (vaccinated). We respect them.
“Hopefully we will get there (to the 85%). Either way, we will do our best. The vaccine was made pretty fast, so a lot of people don't believe in it. I respect other people that don't get it.”
Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has previously acknowledged he doesn’t think the team will ever reach the 85% threshold, which is a competitive disadvantage in that more players can be subject to missing games while in the health and safety protocols process if exposed.
“I have been really clear on my take about vaccinations,” Hoyer said. “I don't think many people in the game have been more direct about it. Obviously, I am disappointed we didn't get there. I do not feel comfortable talking about people's individual choices. You are talking about 100 people combined in tier 1 and tier 2. There are a lot of individual choices in the group. I wish it led to 85% vaccinated. Commenting on just one person doing that, I am not comfortable doing that.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.