Report: Cubs working on extensions for Baez, Rizzo

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

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/16/21

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.

while Kris Bryant, Craig Kimbrel and other Cubs are on the block, there are signs the Cubs will try to lock up Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo before talking trades for them @MLBNetwork
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 16, 2021

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.

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