(670 The Score) The Cubs have exercised first baseman Anthony Rizzo's $16.5-million option for the 2021 season, which marks the final year of his current contract.
The Cubs acquired Rizzo in a trade with the Padres in 2012, and he has grown into the heart and soul of the team as well as a three-time All-Star. Rizzo, 31, had at least 25 homers and 90 RBIs each season from 2015-'19. He hit .222 with 11 homers, 24 RBIs and a .755 OPS in 58 games in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
The Cubs' decision to exercise Rizzo's option was expected. If they hadn't picked it up, it would've been another major red flag about their financial situation amid the pandemic. The Cubs already have laid off more than 100 employees across multiple levels of the organization because of financial concerns, the Athletic reported.
Rizzo has previously expressed his desire to sign another contract with the Cubs, but the team rebuffed his camp's interest in a possible extension last offseason.
The Cubs on Saturday also declined the $3.5-million option on 34-year-old infielder Daniel Descalso, who signed with them in December 2018 and hit .173 over 82 games with the team. He spent the entire 2020 season on the injured list.
