Chicago Cubs: Top things to keep an eye on heading into 2019 season

Chicago Cubs: Can they make Rizzo a Cub for life?

With question marks surrounding always the club, whether it’s injuries, job securities or performance, first baseman Anthony Rizzo has remained the constant. He led the team with consistent performances year-in and year-out.  He is the glue to the core and the ultimate leader that finally brought a World Series championship back to Chicago.

While Rizzo still has club options following left on his deal, he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2022 season.  By then, Rizzo will be 32 years old but stands to still warrant a sizeable deal on the market.

It may be in the best interest of the Cubs to offer a contract extension to the 29-year-old Rizzo sooner rather than later. The slugger has etched his name among the team’s all-time greats. The fact he hasn’t nudged the front office much for a new deal speaks volume to his character.  It’s time for the organization to show their appreciation for everything he has done and offer him a very deserving extension – one that will, hopefully, someday end with his number 44 raised down the line on a Wrigley Field foul pole.

For the last five seasons, Rizzo has averaged 30 home runs and 100 RBI, winning two Gold Glove Awards, including the Platinium Glove (the best defensive player in MLB) in 2016. It’s time to lock him up for good.