Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (left) and shortstop Javier Baez (9) celebrate after scoring against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field.  David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Cubs working on extensions for Javier Baez, Anthony Rizzo before trade deadline

The Chicago Cubs are selling, but it appears Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo might be safe for the time being. 

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the Cubs are working on extensions for both players before this month's trade deadline. Heyman also notes that Kris Bryant and Craig Kimbrel, among others, are on the chopping block.

Baez and Rizzo, both key contributors to the 2016 World Series-winning team, are set to become free agents after the 2021 campaign.

Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer admitted earlier this month that his team would be sellers at this year's deadline after losing 13 of 15 games heading into the All-Star break. He had previously hoped to buy at the deadline. 

Chicago enters Friday's contest against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a 44-46 record (.489), eight games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers. 

The Cubs already traded Joc Pederson to the Atlanta Braves, which means Bryant and Kimbrel could be on the move next. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mets stars reportedly had emotional reaction to firing of Buck Showalter
NHL announces 2024 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner
Cardinals sign first-round DL
Negro League legend finally getting his due as MLB merges stats
Rams sign first-round DE, complete draft class
Steelers QB Justin Fields focusing on 'little things' amid battle with Russell Wilson
Texans sign young offensive star to huge contract extension
Pistons confirm that key RFA forward underwent toe surgery
Pirates place left-hander, catcher on injured list
Mavs get good news on Maxi Kleber ahead of Game 4
Patriots exec discusses team's approach to QB competition
Braves to promote No. 3 prospect for MLB debut Wednesday
Diamondbacks release veteran infielder
Packers' former first-round pick planning to make 'monster leap'
NFLPA finalizing proposal for major change to offseason schedule
LeBron James shouts out Jaylen Brown after Celtics advance to NBA Finals
Pacers collapse down the stretch as Celtics sweep ECF
Hall of Famer, beloved broadcaster Bill Walton dead at 71
Jason Robertson leads Stars to comeback win over Oilers in Game 3
Despite recent form, Rafael Nadal's legacy is still gold standard for tennis

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.