Yardbarker
x
Anthony Rizzo extension talks with Cubs have stalled
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo against the Cincinnati Reds during a spring training game at Sloan Park.  Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Extension talks between Anthony Rizzo, Cubs have stalled entering Opening Day

The Chicago Cubs have three major players to re-sign this season before the 2022 campaign or they'll become free agents. It'll be challenging for the Cubs to retain Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Baez, and it appears one of those players could almost certainly be headed for free agency. 

According to The Athletic's Patrick Mooney, Rizzo confirmed Monday that extension talks between himself and the Cubs have stalled and there likely will be no pre-Opening Day deal for the first baseman. 

Rizzo is entering the final year of the seven-year, $41 million deal he signed in May 2013. He's set to earn $16.5 million in 2021.

The 31-year-old has spent nine of his 10 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Cubs after one season with the San Diego Padres. He helped Chicago capture a World Series title in 2016 and finished fourth in MVP voting that year. 

Rizzo is averaging .271/.372/.485 in nine seasons with the Cubs. He is a three-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glove winner, as well as a Silver Slugger and Platinum Glove winner. 

The Florida native is a top-10 first baseman in the league. If he doesn't work out an extension with the Cubs, he'll have no shortage of suitors in free agency.

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!