Cubs fans need to pump the brakes on dreams of an Anthony Rizzo reunion

Every single time a member of the 2016 Chicago Cubs hits free agency, the fanbase throws on its graduation goggles and talks itself into bringing said player back into the fold - regardless of how poor the fit may be.

In the weeks to come, we'll see that on an unprecedented level after the New York Yankees declined Anthony Rizzo's 2025 option, sending the 35-year-old first baseman back into free agency after a disappointing campaign and brutal postseason exit.

At this point, Rizzo is a mere shell of the player he was nearly a decade ago. Injuries kept him from hitting the 100-game mark for the second straight season and, since the start of the 2023 season, he's managed just a .237/.315/.358 in nearly 800 plate appearances. His power has completely evaporated, he's not what he once was defensively and is a below-average baserunner.

I understand the desire to inject a prime Rizzo into this lineup, I do. But that's not what the Cubs would be getting in a reunion with the longtime face of the franchise. At best, he's a bench piece on a good team - valuable in the clubhouse and as a mentor for young players. But in terms of actual on-field contributions, it's been two years since he's shown the ability to A) stay healthy and B) even be a league-average offensive piece.

Michael Busch turned in a very solid rookie season while learning the ropes at first and running it back with him in 2025 would hardly be the worst thing in the world. But if you're going to supplant him after he just learned the position (very successfully, I may add) on the fly, it needs to be for a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Pete Alonso-level upgrade - not for an oft-injured, on the decline Rizzo.

That probably sounds harsh, but it's a simple truth. Now is not the time to go searching in the past for answers. Rizzo is - and will always be - one of the greatest Cubs players of all time. But that chapter is over and the book needs to remain closed.