The future of the Chicago Cubs and Anthony Rizzo

One of the worst aspects of being a fan is understanding that your favorite players may not always be a part of the team. Chicago Cubs fans are now starting to realize this possibility with the beloved Bryzzo combo.

Within the next couple of years, the Chicago Cubs will have to decide what to do with a couple of stars that have been there since the genesis of the Theo Epstein era. Since then there has been many ups and downs but fortunately, an NL pennant and a World Series. Some may say the Cubs missed the chance to be a dynasty, but with much of the same talent, it should not be long before everyone fits back into their mold and the Cubs are dominating the NL Central.

If you follow sports in the slightest, bit you will know that some of the biggest contracts are being signed from some electric players, but what about the players who are exceeding the classic stats like batting average, RBIs and runs scored? The core stats that America’s pastime has long valued as top dictators of success.

In 2013, Anthony Rizzo signed an extension worth $41 million over seven years. This was almost a year later after his debut, when he blew onto the scene, taking over for the All-Star, Bryan LaHair. Since then, Rizzo has become one of the leagues best hitters and first baseman averaging over 30 home runs and 100 RBIs throughout the last five seasons.

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Fortunately, paying this little for an elite-player, this has allowed Epstein to make some additional moves that were crucial in playing a role in the success over the last four-years. It would seem that Rizzo is one of the few that is not playing baseball for the money, but for his love of the game.

Rizzo stated that ideally, he would love to end up a Cub for his career in an article by Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune.

"“No doubt I could never see myself playing anywhere else, at least by my choice,” he said. “Obviously I can’t control what happens, but to be able to play here for basically my whole career would be pretty special. You look at the guys who have done that, especially with this franchise … all the guys that have played here before us. It’d be cool to end my career here.”"

This is always reassuring to see one of the core players of your team to hear. Now whether or not he is saying that because he will be with the Cubs for a couple more years is up for debate. Doubtful.

With the looming free agency of stars like Kris Bryant and Javier Baez, it is time to start coping with the fact that there will not be three mega-deals in the near future for the Cubs organization. Yet, we will have a couple more years of the Bryzzo romance and the electric play of Baez.