5 offseason moves the Cubs need to make now that they have their manager

2. Extend Anthony Rizzo

The Cubs are facing some difficult decisions in the upcoming offseasons as Kris Bryant and Javy Baez approach free agency. Bryant and Baez will both hit the open market after the 2021 season, and there is little reason to believe either will be open to signing a team-friendly extension at this point. Bryant already turned down a $200 million offer from the Cubs and is represented by Scott Boras.

Extending Bryant and Baez is likely out of the question for Chicago, but that may not be the case with All-Star first baseman Anthony Rizzo. The 30-year-old has two team options left on his original seven-year, $44-million extension. Each option year will pay him $16.5 million, which is still a bargain given his steady 30-homer, 100-RBI seasons. Rizzo was the first big piece of the Cubs’ rebuilding effort and is a rock in the clubhouse and community.

In eight years with the Cubs, Rizzo has hit .277/.376/.496 with 217 home runs and 720 RBI. He has also been an All-Star three times and has won two Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger. Rizzo may never lead the league in a major offensive category or win an MVP, but he can be counted on to deliver strong power numbers with elite defense at first base.

With some real uncertainty in their future, the Cubs can give themselves a little clarity by locking up Rizzo beyond the next two seasons. He helped build the winning culture that delivered the 2016 title and should be a part of whatever roster the Cubs build for their next run at the World Series.