Anthony Rizzo ends contract talks with Cubs, will focus on 2021 season

Rizzo will concentrate on the season instead of contract talks (Mark Rebilas - USA Today Sports)

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Monday, March 29 2021

The captain of the Chicago Cubs in certainly Anthony Rizzo.

Rizzo spoke with the media Monday via zoom and shared that no deal has been done with his contract extension, and he is going to shut down talks while he plays baseball this season.

"It doesn't look like anything at this time is going to be finalized," Rizzo said. "With (the) Opening Day deadline, we feel really strong about it. We've had enough time to talk and figure it out. I've told my agents not to talk to me about it anymore."

Rizzo knows that baseball is big business, and he will see what happens.

"When you think of the actual business side of it, you can't just be naïve to think that just because of what I've done here and what I've expressed, they're just going to hand me a contract," Rizzo said. "Have to go out and earn it. I look forward to just continuing to play."

Rizzo understands that there is still plenty of time to get a deal done.

"My desire to stay here has been worn right on my sleeve, and obviously, it hasn't worked out to this point," Rizzo said. "But that's OK because we have a full season to play and a full 'nother offseason a year from now. A lot can happen from now and then."

Rizzo loves being a member of the Cubs.

"As I've said before, I love Chicago,” Rizzo said. “I love the fans. I love Wrigley Field and what being a Chicago Cub is all about. It didn't work out thus far, and that's OK. I'm at peace with it."

Rizzo is a three-time All-Star and has averaged 26 homers and 96 RBIs per season during his major league career.

Hopefully, the Cubs and Rizzo will eventually agree on a long-term deal with him in Chicago. Fans will be heartbroken if the ballclub's heart and soul decides to play for another team besides the Cubbie blue.