Chicago Cubs: The chances of extending Anthony Rizzo

Buyer beware?

Rizzo is worth and has earned a huge contract. But at 32 years old, an age where most ballplayers have their best playing days behind them, how much is he actually worth? For that, we look at comparables.

Albert Pujols, another slugging 1st baseman, signed his massive deal with the Los Angeles Angels at 32. If you recall, it was a whopping 10-year, $240 million deal; one that’s still going. We’re not saying Rizzo is on the same plane as prime Pujols but consider this. Almost everyone now agrees that the deal is an atrocity. Pujols just hasn’t been the same since his Cardinal days, and while he’s been a solid player, he’s not worth $24 million-a-year.

Considering Rizzo’s remarkable consistency, it’s safe to assume he’ll still be playing at a high level if he hits free agency. At that point, he’ll be worth a contract like Pujols’, based on what he’s already done. But would he be worth the money moving forward? That’s the question that all general managers ask themselves when deciding whether or not to pull the trigger.

Of course, the Cubs could avoid some of that drama and lock Rizzo up once more with another extension. However, that comes with its own set of risks.

Won’t be around forever

While Cubs fans bask in the glory of having young star after young star, sooner or later reality sets in. At some point, the team is going to have to pay to keep them. Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Javy Báez, the list goes on. These are players other teams would love to have and would pay a pretty penny to get. The team has been lucky that most of their young players have developed into studs, but they all won’t be around forever.

With that in mind, hefty paydays await these young players. While there’s no salary cap in baseball, penalties accrue once a team goes above the luxury tax. That’s something the Cubs would like to avoid if possible, so get used to this current version of the Cubs while you can folks, because it’s guaranteed to change in a few years.

Would you rather lock up Báez, Contreras and Russell soon than lose Rizzo to free agency later? Or what about giving both Bryant and Rizzo massive extensions and hope one of those aforementioned youngsters stick around at a discount? What about 2018, when everyone and their mother is a free agent? Bryce Harper sure does love Wrigley Field… what about a Bryant-Harper-Rizzo middle of the order?

For a team as stacked as the Cubs, playing GM is fun for fans. But for Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer, it’s a more serious affair. Keeping this team intact while still adding quality pieces is going to be a challenge. Rizzo’s contract has given them breathing room, but at some point, they won’t be able to ignore the possibility of losing him down the road.

Next: Seager to miss NLCS

If it were up to me, I’d play out his deal. Unless Rizzo presses the team’s hand (something that could very well happen), the 1st baseman seems to be fine with sacrificing financial gain for championships. By doing so, his selflessness gives the team a better chance at winning more World Series rings. And when the time comes, Rizzo and the front office can discuss the future. But until then, it’s all about stacking up trophies.