Cubs should fear losing Anthony Rizzo to unlikely suitor

The Cubs may apparently be facing some surprise competition when it comes to extending Anthony Rizzo.

The Chicago Cubs have a ton of franchise-altering decisions to make in 2021. Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Javier Baez are all in contract years and re-signing all three is not likely to happen.

Bryant has his own issues with the organization and his name has been in trade rumors all offseason. That leaves Rizzo and Baez as the two most likely to return. However, a recent report says the Cubs may face competition from within the National League if Rizzo hits free agency.

Cubs could battle with the Marlins over Anthony Rizzo

Rizzo is a Miami-area native and could end up wanting to return home on a major deal with the Miami Marlins. The fit is a good one. But it will come down to the famously frugal Marlins willing to spend big on a marquee player like Rizzo. He would also likely negotiate a no-trade clause so they can’t just sign him and ditch him for prospects a year or two later.

The Marlins no longer being owned by Jeffrey Loria does mean things are different in Miami. The team did end a nearly two-decade long playoff drought last season and there appears to be a good system in place.

Signing someone like Rizzo brings some serious star power to the franchise and also helps sell tickets in that market. Another factor here is considering if Rizzo would want to commit long-term to a franchise that seems to be either boom or bust.

Rizzo being from the area means this connection is going to remain alive if he doesn’t sign an extension with the Cubs this season. The goal now for the Marlins is to keep winning and become an actual prime destination for the Miami native.