Cubs: Three teams who could sign Anthony Rizzo in free agency

In case you missed Anthony Rizzo’s comments on Monday morning, the long and short of it is as follows: the Chicago Cubs and his camp remain nowhere close on the extension front and, at this point, he’s started focusing on the upcoming season, knowing he won’t have a long-term deal in place.

If that, indeed, is how things play out, this time next year, the three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glover could be suiting up for a different team. Once, that was an unthinkable idea – but it’s now looking like a very real possibility.

The front office has failed to extend any of their three big stars this spring – not only Rizzo, but fellow infielders Kris Bryant and Javier Baez. If there are no extensions between now and Opening Day, which is the deadline these guys set for all talks, all three are now legitimate trade chips this summer.

Let’s focus on Rizzo given he’s the hot topic just days from the start of the regular season. Assuming this is the end of the line for the slugging first baseman and the organization, let’s take a look at three teams that could be at play for his services next winter in free agency.

Cubs: Anthony Rizzo could anchor an up-and-coming Marlins ball club

There’s no better match for Rizzo in free agency than the Miami Marlins. The Derek Jeter-led organization is coming out of its rebuild and a veteran leader is exactly what this team needs moving forward.

The team has money to spend – which is good because Rizzo won’t come cheap. But he’s already proven that he’s the perfect guy to spearhead a talented young roster and help change the culture of a franchise. Not to mention he’s from Florida – and this would be a homecoming for the first baseman.

Adding Rizzo to this roster, which boasts a ton of young, high-upside talent, announces the Marlins’ arrival in the NL East. We might have spent this past offseason talking about the Mets and their new ownership. But if the Marlins decide 2022 is the start of the future, signing Rizzo makes a ton of sense.

If I were a betting man, this is where Rizzo winds up if he does, indeed, leave Chicago. It checks so many boxes for everyone involved – period.

Cubs: Will Anthony Rizzo succeed Albert Pujols in Los Angeles?

At long last, Albert Pujols is in the final year of his 10-year, $240 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. 2021 will likely mark the end of his illustrious career that will lead to his prompt enshrinement in Cooperstown.

Which means, come next year, there’s an opening at first base in Anaheim.

What’s not to love about Anthony Rizzo going to the Angels? He could reunite with former manager Joe Maddon and team up with the likes of Anthony Rendon, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani to form one of the American League’s most potent offenses.

The Halos haven’t won it all since 2002 – and have been notably absent from the postseason in all but one year of Trout’s career to-date. Adding Rizzo gives you a Gold Glove-caliber first baseman who should age more gracefully than Pujols given his strong on-base approach and two-strike gameplan.

And, better yet, if Rizzo’s back flares up as he gets older, you’ll have the ability to DH him down the road. Throw in the fact that ownership isn’t afraid to spend and you have a recipe for success.