(670 The Score) The longtime love affair between first baseman Anthony Rizzo and the Cubs appears headed for a separation after this season.
Rizzo acknowledged Monday that the sides aren’t close on a contract extension, and he doesn’t have any expectation of that happening before Opening Day on Thursday, which he has set as a deadline for negotiations. Rizzo is in the final season of a long-term contract that he signed back in 2013.
“There have been talks, but it doesn't look at this time anything will be finalized,” Rizzo said.
While the sides are still free to agree on an extension in the coming months, Rizzo currently has no plans to conduct negotiations during the season. He wants to focus on baseball at that time.
"Where we stand with my agents and Emily (his wife), we have given a lot during this process,” Rizzo said. “I think with the Opening Day deadline, we feel really strong about it. We have had enough time to talk and figure it out, but once the season starts, the focus will be on baseball. If my mind is not 100 percent on baseball and elsewhere, it's hard enough to play. Once Thursday comes, we focus on baseball and that is it. I told my agents and Emily not to talk about it anymore even from this point on."
Rizzo, 31, has been the heart and soul of the Cubs, whom he joined in 2012. He’s a three-time All-Star and helped lead them to a World Series championship in 2016. He has averaged 29 homers and 96 RBIs per 162 games and has a career .857 OPS while being a model of durability.
Rizzo pointed out his desire to stay in Chicago “has been worn right on my sleeve.” He just understands 2021 could well be his last with the Cubs.
“It is good to have clarity one way or another,” Rizzo said. “Now I can get ready for the season. This is just part of the business. Like I've said before, I love Chicago. I love the fans. I love Wrigley Field and what being a Chicago Cub is all about. Obviously, it didn't work out thus far, and that is OK. I am at peace with it, and I will do everything I can to continue to be the best player I can be. We have a combination of a young, veteran group that has all the makings of a fun team. I can't tell you what the future holds, but contractually this will be my last year.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
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